The Scottish Government announces apprenticeship scheme

Small and medium size businesses in the food and drink, manufacturing, textiles and energy sectors will be given a £2,000 financial incentive to take on a new apprentice, revealed The Scottish Government.

ScotAction is an integrated package combining new and improved measures to help individuals and businesses through the recession and will provide skills assistance - including wage subsidies in some circumstances - for training for work, training in work and training from work to work to help Scottish people and businesses survive the downturn.

Announcing the new 'Invest in an Apprentice' scheme at Renewable Devices Swift Turbines Ltd, cabinet secretary for education and lifelong learning, Fiona Hyslop said: "This Government is committed to doing everything that we can to help people in this current economic climate and ScotAction is the Scottish Government's skills support package for providing real financial support to businesses and individuals through the recession.

"Apprentices are vital for Scotland's recovery. That is why I am inviting small and medium size businesses in the manufacturing, textiles, food and drink and energy sectors to take advantage of this Scottish Government and European Social Fund incentive of £2,000 to take on a new 16-19 year old apprentice.

Niall Stuart, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, added: "We would urge employers of all sizes to take advantage of this extra finance and to get in touch with Skills Development Scotland or their local college to find out about the range of public sector support and advice available to help them grow their business."

Words: Maria Bracken

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