Published on:
14
May 2013
Clackmannanshire Council are gearing up for Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which kicks-off on 20th May and celebrates the commitment of employers and the emerging talent of apprentices.
Led by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), the third annual Scottish Apprenticeship Week will gather apprentices, employers, training providers and partners in a series of events.
SDS delivers Modern Apprenticeships on behalf of the Scottish Government by working with a wide range of partners including the sector skills councils, colleges and training organisations.
Enterprise and Environment Convener, Councillor Donald Balsillie said: I'm delighted Clackmannanshire Council are taking part in Modern Apprenticeship Week, which is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet.
"Running from 20th-24th May, we hope that as many of our stakeholders and partners as possible will see the fantastic benefits of modern apprenticeships.
"As a supporter of the programme I know Clackmannanshire will use this event to showcase the contribution that Modern Apprentices make to Clackmannanshire's economy. It is also an opportunity for employers to find out about the benefits that apprentice recruitment can bring and consider taking advantage of the financial assistance currently available from the Council through the Clackmannanshire Apprenticeship Initiative to help local businesses recruit Modern Apprentices."
The Clackmannanshire Apprenticeship Initiative is a recruitment incentive to help local firms in the private sector recruit a Modern Apprentice for the first time, recruit an additional Modern Apprentice or even up-skill an existing member of staff (aged 16 - 24).
Under the Clackmannanshire Apprenticeship Initiative, eligible businesses qualify for £50 per week towards the cost of recruiting a new or additional Modern Apprentice. This is in addition to the contribution towards the training costs that Skills Development Scotland will support.
The Clackmannanshire Apprenticeship Initiative has been developed by Clackmannanshire Council in partnership with Skills Development Scotland and local employers. Local employers are already benefitting from the initiative but there is still funding available. For more information, contact Audrey, Avril or Marion at Clackmannanshire Works on 01259 226699.
There are a total of 22 Modern Apprentices within Clackmannanshire Council, 14 of these are craft apprentices employed by Facility Management in the areas of carpentry and joinery, plumbing, painting and decorating and electricians undertaking level 3 SVQ's and advanced craft qualifications over a four year period.
The other eight are Business and Administration Modern Apprentices, four of whom have recently secured temporary employment with Clackmannanshire Council with one progressing onto a level 3 SVQ in Business and Administration, two are on a nine month placement undertaking a level 2 SVQ in Business and Administration and two are on a two year programme undertaking a level 2 SVQ in Business and Administration in year one and a level 3 SVQ in Business and Administration in year two.
One of the Craft Apprentices reached the finals of the APSE awards held at Peebles Hydro in February this year.
Clackmannanshire Works are presently recruiting for Modern Apprentices in Business and Administration. For more information, contact Audrey on 01259 225187 or email amunro@clacks.gov.uk.
Clackmannanshire Works, who hold a contract with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) for the recruitment of Modern Apprentices, is part of Clackmannanshire Council's Economic Development Team and is supported by European Structural Funds.