Funding to continue for Highland apprenticeship scheme

A trade apprenticeship scheme which has employed and trained 22 young people over the last 4 years is to be extended by The Highland Council.

The scheme which runs within the Council’s Housing and Property Building Maintenance section, was re-introduced in 2004 after an absence of 8 years and is proving such a success that the range of apprenticeships is to be widened to include building and roofing.

The scheme contributes to ensuring that skills shortages in the construction sector are addressed. It also assists in lowering the age profile of the Council’s Building Maintenance workforce.

Apprenticeships within the scheme cover joinery, painting, plumbing, and electrical works and are supported by trades operatives and supervisors. Apprentices attend college in Inverness, Thurso, or Alness on a block release basis. The first batch of apprentices is due to gain their SVQ Level 3 Qualification in Spring and early summer 2009.

Councillor Margaret Davidson, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee said: “It is great that we develop our building maintenance workforce and their abilities to provide a high quality repairs service for our tenants.

“Apprentices now represent 20% of our building and maintenance workforce. By widening the apprenticeship scheme we can expand apprenticeships for young people in the Highlands. We intend to expand the range of trades available within the apprenticeships to include building and roofing where trade operative’s support is available.

“Also, where appropriate we will include training in renewable technologies to ensure that our workforce skills are developed to meet future maintenance needs of renewable systems.”

Funding for the apprenticeship training is currently provided through The Highland Council at a cost of £287,000 with additional support from the three main trade organisations: Construction Skills, the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust, and the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbers Employers Federation.

For further information please contact: Ian Belford, Housing Maintenance Manager, The Highland Council, tel: (01463) 251308