GLASGOW-based Edwin James Group has confirmed it is expanding its apprenticeship scheme from 10 to 15% of the total workforce over the next two years.
The move, described as forming part of the company’s growth plans, has been announced during Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
The firm’s chief executive Derek Smith started his career as an apprentice. He believes the scheme is vital to the future of the business, and to developing the next generation of management talent.
“We are very proud of the continued success and growth of our apprenticeship scheme,” he explained. “It continues to go from strength to strength with talented people now developing their careers in all parts of the business. At a time when the engineering sector is facing a skills shortage, apprenticeship schemes are more important than ever to help young people forge a career in a challenging market. For Edwin James, developing talent from within is vital to the future growth of our group.
“We have a strong track record of supporting young people into the sector, and with the expansion of our apprenticeship scheme, this is set to continue. But not all our apprentices follow the traditional path, joining at 16 or 18. We have many success stories of colleagues that join the group and move into an apprenticeship or training and qualifications later in their careers.”
