Scottish Apprenticeship Week has been marked by local Scottish Green MSP, Ariane Burgess, with a visit to AJ Engineering in Forres.
Commenting, Ms Burgess, the Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands & Island Region said:
“Thriving small businesses like AJ Engineering are making a huge contribution to addressing skills shortages in the Highlands & Islands.
“It was a pleasure to meet with the next generation of engineers learning on the job in their factory in Forres.
“Apprenticeships deliver economic and social benefits across every part of the region, contributing £10 for every £1 spent by Government to help training.”
Chair of Skills Development Scotland, Frank Mitchell, said:
“Scottish Apprenticeship Week showcases how Scottish Apprenticeships contribute to the fabric of Scotland.
“Strong employer endorsement and demand for apprenticeships shows the high value of work-based learning to enable businesses to generate the skills they need to compete now and in the future.
“Across Scotland, around 40,000 people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are accessing high-quality jobs and transforming their lives through Scottish Apprenticeships.
“It is very clear that Apprenticeships play a vital role in meeting economic, environmental and health and wellbeing challenges and opportunities, helping Scotland to become a fairer, more equal society.”