Local MSP Craig Hoy has marked Scottish Apprenticeship Week by visiting a Dumfries nursery and meeting several modern apprentices supported by Dumfries and Galloway College.
Moffat-based Mr Hoy, who is the Scottish Conservative candidate for Dumfriesshire, visited Orchard Nursery at The Chrichton where he met staff, apprentices and representatives from Skills Development Scotland to learn more about the positive impact apprenticeships have for local employers and young people entering the workforce.
Craig Hoy MSP said: “Apprenticeships are so vital and I was pleased to visit the Orchard nursery this week to mark Scotland’s apprenticeship week. There is a significant skills shortage in Scotland, and I have been a vocal advocate for more apprenticeship funding to fill that gap.
“Dumfriesshire is a rural constituency, and apprenticeships play a crucial role in ensuring we develop the skills and qualifications our local workforce and the local economy needs for the future. They give young people practical experience, allow businesses to grow their own talent and help keep skilled workers within our local communities.
“It was great to meet several apprentices and learn more about their journeys and the impact the apprenticeships have had on them. Thanks to Kim Bannister and the Orchard team for hosting me for this informative visit.”
Skills Development Scotland Chair, Frank Mitchell said: “Scottish Apprenticeships provide real returns for employers, individuals and the economy. People from all backgrounds are gaining meaningful career opportunities through apprenticeships, creating diverse workforces that benefits business and our society.”
He added: “At a time when employers are seeing skill shortages all over the country, apprenticeships have never been more important than they are now.”
