Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has used a national awareness week to stress the importance of rural apprenticeships.
Speaking during a Scottish Parliament debate to mark Apprenticeship Week 2022, the Scottish Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Business said providing young people in his region with the opportunity to train for rural occupations was vitally important, and that there should be an increased focus on skilling and re-skilling.
Mr Halcro Johnston said: “Recruitment is often a major issue for businesses across the country, and rural businesses and trades frequently find themselves struggling to attract young people.
“There are obviously many issues which are particular to a region like the Highlands and Islands, but part of the reason can be the piecemeal way in which apprenticeships and training are made available.
“This is a point that has been made to me over and over again by business representatives from across rural Scotland.
“Compounding the existing challenges is the longer-term threat to many rural parts of the country from demographic change and depopulation. This will only be reversed if young people see a future for themselves in these areas, and that means the prospect of training and employment, followed by well good local jobs.
“Many of our colleges in rural areas, as well as local business based in rural areas, play a vital role in supporting the provision of local apprenticeships.
“But there is undoubtedly a role for the Scottish Government here, with the college network – which has seen its funding slashed by SNP ministers – better supported to work with employers to deliver the opportunities required.”
