Apprentices Needed To Plug Skills Gap

Apprenticeships are the answer to a massive skills shortage in Scotland.

Most companies surveyed by the CBI and Pearsons say they'll either start or expand an existing earn-as-you-learn scheme, because they can't recruit enough highly skilled workers. Science, technology and maths abilities are particularly sought after at the moment, but 1 in 5 firms say they're struggling to employ graduates with sufficient skills. 64% of firms responding to the survey intend to expand their apprenticeship programme or start one in the next three years - the best result since the survey began in 2008. 

70% of firms in the country need more highly skilled staff, particularly in key sectors such as science and engineering, construction and manufacturing. But 57% are not confident that they will be able to find the high-level skills needed to meet demand and grow.

Hugh Aitken, CBI Scotland Director, said: "While the Scottish economy continues to make headway we must be on our guard as local growth risks being undermined by a shortage of the higher-level skills businesses need to get on, and the situation is only set to get worse. High-growth, high-value sectors, with the most potential are under the most pressure, like science, engineering, digital and manufacturing. We must make sure that our education and skills system is truly responsive to the needs of business and that young people receive much better careers advice, if we are to propel the Scottish economy forward in the years ahead."