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Life sciences apprenticeship announced |
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Monday, 31 March 2008 |
A Modern Apprenticeship in life sciences is being introduced in Scotland and Modern Apprenticeship opportunities in the construction and engineering related sectors are to be expanded.
The move is part a package of changes to national training programmes
announced today by Education and Lifelong Learning Secretary Fiona
Hyslop and Willy Roe, the newly appointed chair of Skills Development
Scotland.
Hyslop said: "The establishment of Skills Development Scotland, which
is formally launched tomorrow, is a major step forward in making the
changes required to bring [the Skills Strategy] to life.
"We are keen to build on the programmes inherited from Scottish
Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and that's why a number
of changes will be made to our national training programmes.
"We want to expand provision to deliver effective skills development
opportunities that meet the needs of employers and employees. By doing
this we can give Skills Development Scotland the opportunity to develop
a coherent programme of training in line with the Government Economic
Strategy."
"I am confident that Skills Development Scotland, with Willy Roe at the
helm, will bring fresh focus to Scottish skills development.
Hyslop added that Roe would also be appointed as the Scotland Commissioner for the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.
She added: "This is an exciting time for skills in Scotland. I have set
out a clear vision and principles for Skills Development Scotland and
these will guide it in its work to be a catalyst for real and positive
change in Scotland's skills performance."
Skills Development Scotland will have 1,500 staff and a budget of over
£170m per year over the next three years, plus £16m start-up funding
for 2008-09. In addition, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands
Enterprise will provide back-office support of about £13m.
In addition to the new MA in life sciences, the Government said that it
would concentrate adult MAs in the areas of construction and
engineering, in order to produce an increase in the number of adult MAs
in this sector by 50 per cent. It also plans to increase the number of
16 to 19-year-olds in MAs by 10 per cent in all construction and
engineering related sectors.
Roe said: "Life Sciences is a key sector for Scotland with a high
growth potential and the capacity to boost productivity through
enhanced support, including the introduction of modern apprentices.
Traditional areas of construction and engineering continue to provide
solid returns and with the Commonwealth Games expected to create an
additional 1,200 jobs we can see the clear need to continue skill
development in this area.
"However outwith these sectors, the outcomes have been less favourable.
We therefore need to take a little time, working closely with the key
sectors involved, to identify the innovative ways by which we can
secure effective workforce development."
Meanwhile the Government confirmed that it would maintain support and
recruitment for all 16-19 year old MA candidates for 2008-09; maintain
the same level of support for the Get Ready for Work and Training for
Work programmes; and provide an additional 6,500 Level 2 MAs through
reform of the Skillseeker programme.
One person has commented on this article. 1. Life sciences apprenticeship announced
Anonymous, Unregistered I welcome the announcement about the new MA however I am concerned about the lack of funding being made available for those working within the care sector. We live within an ageing population and the need for qualified carers will increase either to support individuals to live within their own home or to enter residential care.
The majority of carers mature adults and are not within the 16-19 age group who are not attacted to a job that requires shift work, weekend work and the minimum wage nor do they have the life experience required for working with vulnerable individuals in society.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 31 March 2008 )
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