SCOTLAND’S minister for higher and further education, Graeme Dey MSP, kicked off Scottish Apprenticeship Week at Fife College’s new Dunfermline Campus.
The minister met apprentices from main contractor Balfour Beatty. Fife College is due to open its new Dunfermline Campus in 2025. The facility is being built using low-energy and net zero processes, with apprentices playing a key role in the construction.
Mr Dey said, “Apprenticeships are vital for supporting young people into valuable, rewarding careers and helping people upskill, reskill and progress in their chosen careers. They provide life-changing skills that society needs to build a wellbeing economy, supporting our transition to net zero. The Scottish Government’s priority is for high quality apprenticeships that provide sustainable jobs and careers characterised by Fair Work.”
Fife College principal, Jim Metcalfe, added, “Fife College is an accelerator for jobs and opportunity, and apprenticeships are at the heart of that ambition. Running one of the most substantial Modern Apprenticeship programmes in Scotland, our dedication to developing talent through apprenticeships plays a key role in shaping the skilled workforce needed within the Fife region.”
Hector MacAulay MBE, MD of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland, commented, “At Balfour Beatty, we are committed to investing in the next generation of talent and providing young people with the skills and experience they need to flourish in their long-term, future careers. As we celebrate Scottish Apprenticeship Week, I would encourage others to consider our industry and join those who are already benefiting from the wide range of exciting opportunities we have to offer.”
Frank Mitchell, chair of Skills Development Scotland, said, “Apprenticeships are giving back to Scotland by supporting employers to deliver economic benefits as well as societal wellbeing benefits across the country. Across Scotland, around 40,000 people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are accessing high-quality jobs and transforming their lives through Scottish apprenticeships. Apprentices also contribute by paying taxes as well as their employers contributing £10 for every £1 spent by government on training.”
