Salmond backs apprenticeships

FIRST MINISTER Alex Salmond has backed a modern apprentice scheme for land-based skills only days after the idea was submitted by landowners.

Speaking at this week's Scottish Land and Estates AGM, the First Minister told the assembled audience he strongly supported the plans put forward by the organisation, which would now be examined by an industry and government working group.

As set out by SLaE, the dedicated rural Modern Apprenticeship will cover skills such as gamekeeping, deer stalking, forestry and water supply management. Mr Salmond confirmed that SLaE would be among the groups invited to join the working group, which would investigate how this 'vital' area of skills training could be improved.

"Across virtually all sectors of the economy, skills are essential, and we can be very proud of delivering a record-breaking 25,000 Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland last year," said Mr Salmond.

"The current economic climate continues to put pressure on the options available to our young people to improve their skills, so we must work even harder to make sure opportunities are both available and accessible across all sectors – including the rural economy, which is so important to Scotland.

"The proposal that SLaE submitted to the Scottish Government to develop rural MAs gives clear evidence of a strong commitment in the rural sector to nurturing that talent and addressing the specific skills needs of rural businesses."

SLaE chairman, Luke Borwick, said:"Encouraging the next generation in our sector is vitally important. We are delighted the Scottish Government, in setting up this working group, recognises the important role land-based businesses play as significant employers in the rural economy."

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