Young BAME Fifers Encouraged To Consider Apprenticeships

Young Scots from ethnic minorities are being asked to consider doing a modern apprenticeship.

Skills Development Scotland have teamed up with BEMIS to work on getting people from more diverse backgrounds into the trainee schemes. Their partnership will run from now until March next year. Scottish Apprenticeship Week has run from 18 to 22 May and highlighted the benefits that apprenticeships bring to employers, individuals and the economy.

Damien Yeates, Chief Executive of SDS, said: “Scotland’s population is made up of people from a vast number of ethnic minority communities and we want to ensure the Modern Apprenticeship programme is reflective of this diverse culture. 

“We are delighted to embark on a partnership with BEMIS Scotland to raise awareness among ethnic minority communities of the benefits of Modern Apprenticeships and to ensure equal access to the programme for all. As well as working with key ethnic minority organisations, we will host seminars and work closely with training providers to realise our ambition of increasing the number of people from ethnic minority communities undertaking apprenticeships.”

BEMIS Scotland CEO Dr. Rami Ousta said: “The Modern Apprenticeship programme is valued by apprentices as well as by employers across Scotland as it offers new pathways into wider employment opportunities and helps build employability skills and knowledge for young people while in paid employment.

“It is crucial that all of Scotland’s people are aware of the benefits of the programme and have the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship. That is why BEMIS Scotland welcomed a partnership with SDS. We look forward to working together to ensure ethnic minority communities feel empowered to undertake a Modern Apprenticeship and fulfil their potential through this training programme.”