McAlpine visits Kellwood Engineering to celebrate Apprenticeship Week

MSP Joan McAlpine is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with young people at Kellwood Engineering in Dumfries.

 

Ms McAlpine praised Kellwood Engineering for their commitment to young people in the area.

 

The company, which was founded in 1985, has ‘people matter’ as one of its core values and aim to invest in people as much as they do in capital.

 

The SNP government is committed to increasing the numbers of modern apprenticeships across the country.

 

Over 10 years in government the SNP has supported 7000 Modern Apprenticeships in Dumfries and Galloway – an increase of almost 60% since 2007.

 

Commenting, the South Scotland MSP said:

 

“It was great to meet with the young apprentices and hear about the work they are doing and the qualifications they are working towards.

 

“Kellwood offers great jobs in the area and I am happy to support the work they are doing and particularly the opportunities they are offering young people locally.”

 

A recent study by Skills Development Scotland has also highlighted  found 70 per cent of young people and 79 per cent of parents think that apprenticeships offer good career prospects, with 42 per cent of young people believing they have the same value as a university degree.

 

It also showed similar trends for employer attitudes.

 

Ms McAlpine said:

 

“It is great to see that young people and employers alike really feel that apprenticeships are a great way to boost their careers.

 

“It is a priority of the Scottish Government to deliver 30,000 new apprenticeships by 2020 – which we remain on course to do.

 

“The fact we have over 500 more Modern Apprenticeship starts than the same time last year is great news to kick off this year’s Apprenticeship Week.”