Once upon a time, the majority of people left school and walked into an apprenticeship post, often leading to a lifelong career. In more recent years, the majority of industries have opted for ready-qualified staff with university or college certificates.
However, as current generations continue to struggle managing their university debts – often working set period or even zero-hour contracts – and as automation lurks like the Grim Reaper over our shoulder threatening many posts, the Scottish jobs market looks like it might be taking a leaf out of its fore-fathers’ book and favouring apprenticeships again.
This month, the week of 6 March is being promoted as ‘Apprenticeship Week’. Organised by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), it is aimed at encouraging more employers to take on apprentices and to see the benefits from other industry leaders who have invested in their workforce. If an apprentice is aged between 16 and 24, the employer is eligible for assistance towards the cost of the ‘Modern Apprentice’ training from SDS. Even if aged over 24 – as there is no upper age limit for SDS’s Modern Apprenticeships – some financial contribution may be possible, depending on the industry.