SCOTTISH APPRENTICESHIP WEEK HIGHLIGHTS TRAINEE BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES, BUSINESS AND THE NATION
Showcasing the benefits of work-based learning schemes for employees, businesses and the economy is the goal of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
Taking place from March 3rd to 7th, this year’s campaign highlights how Scottish Apprenticeships are ‘Made for Business’.
Nearly 40,000 apprentices are employed across circa 12,000 businesses in Scotland. Of these companies, 83% reported improved productivity through traineeships. Apprenticeships.Scot figures also reveal that fully trained apprentices earn up to 52% more than ‘non-completer’ counterparts. Furthermore, Scotland’s finances benefit from apprenticeship schemes. More than £100m public spending on training programmes generates £450m in tax, which represents a significant return on investment.
With BriggsAmasco a long-time provider of apprenticeship programmes that offer recognised industry qualifications, the company is a keen advocate of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
Tony Lawther, Managing Director at BriggsAmasco, who started as a BriggsAmasco apprentice in 1984 said: “We have two branches in Scotland and carry out many commercial projects across the country. Therefore, we are fully aware of the benefits that apprenticeships bring to the business and the national economy. Initiatives such as Scottish Apprenticeship Week are so important. The construction industry, and roofing in particular, is in urgent need of recruits as people leave or retire from the sector. Roofing offers a fantastic career opportunity, it’s a highly skilled trade that offers long-term career prospects, competitive wages, and the satisfaction of seeing tangible results from hard work.”
“BriggsAmasco has a decades-long track record of employing apprentices and facilitating their career progression. Many of our apprentices have become qualified roofers and reached the top of their profession. We shall always support their development.”
Tony Lawther
Tony’s comments were supported by colleague Allan Doris, a BriggsAmasco Branch Manager in Glasgow, who highlighted the importance of apprenticeship schemes such as this – especially with an additional 25,250 Scottish construction workers expected to be needed by 2026.
He said: “With the numbers of expected Scottish construction workers only likely to increase even after 2026, apprenticeships are the only way to ensure Scottish construction projects can continue to be delivered by Scottish-based tradespersons. Whilst an ever-growing skills shortage is evident in Scotland, there are funding gaps and a lack of incentives for employers to hire apprentices. I believe apprenticeship programmes can only play a part if the conversion of completed apprenticeship improves – however this would take an industry-wide approach.”
Allan Doris
“We must all ensure young people have a route to employment, to reduce the ever-growing numbers of people we see going from education to unemployment. It’s often not known there are services set up in most regions throughout Scotland to ensure support in advance of leaving full-time education and readying young people for employment. This includes construction taster events hosted at schools and colleges on a regular basis.”
BriggsAmasco’s record for delivering training programmes that exceed those typically offered by construction companies is evidenced by its encouragement and support of all employees to attain an SVQ Level 5 – the equivalent of a Master’s degree. Essential to an individual’s long-term career prospects while contributing to improving on-site standards and build quality, the SVQ is fully funded by Skills Development Scotland – with a completion grant available for those who complete the course.
BriggsAmasco employs 18 apprentices, including more experienced staff such as Paul Mulgrew, who joined the company in 2002. Paul, 43, decided to upgrade his skillset and enrolled as a mastic asphalter apprentice. The move has earned praise from BriggsAmasco’s Senior Management.
Cameron Bruff & Paul Mulgrew
Tony said: “Paul’s monthly update reports from Managers and Supervisors are extremely good and his enthusiasm never goes unnoticed. He has excelled at college, which is great to hear when he is surrounded by much younger apprentices. Paul is a great example of how we support employees who want to improve and progress regardless of age. He is thriving and dedicated to making the most of his career.”
Gareth Cuthbert
For more information on Scottish Apprenticeship Week activities and promotions, click here