A team of apprentices got a chance to showcase their skills when Gordon MacDonald MSP dropped by Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel during Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2018.
The awareness week is organised by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to promote the benefits of apprenticeships and the value they bring to business and the economy.
The Edinburgh and Pentlands MSP had the opportunity to meet apprentices from two of Apex’s Edinburgh hotels – City of Edinburgh and Grassmarket – who work across a range of areas and levels in hospitality, from waiting and kitchen to reception and housekeeping staff.
Chef Modern Apprentice Joe Posnett, 21, had a chance to meet the MSP and explain why he wanted to work, learn and earn through an apprenticeship.
He said: “Personally I knew what career I wanted to pursue and didn’t want to spend years at university when there was an alternative option that was better suited to me, giving me hands-on experience and help me climb the career ladder.
“I’m passionate about promoting apprenticeships and am a Board member of the world-class Apprenticeship in Hospitality Scotland programme which aims to inspire the next generation, so it was great to get the opportunity to share my story with Gordon MacDonald MSP.”
The special guest was given a tour by Angela Newton, Apex’s Group Head of Learning, Development and Quality, and Derek King, Apex’s Learning and Development Co-ordinator.
Emphasising the support and opportunities Apex provides, Apex CEO Angela Vickers said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week aims to demonstrate the commitment of businesses in investing in the skills of the workplace and Apex truly is a prime example.
“We are very proud to champion and support apprentices of all ages across our workforce. We currently have 43 apprentices working across the business in a diverse range of roles and we plan to take on another 11 by the end of March.”
Gordon Macdonald MSP welcomed the chance to meet with some of the apprentices and he emphasised the economic benefits of such programmes.
He said: “By visiting the apprentices today at the Apex hotel I was able to hear first-hand the many benefits to young people of joining the modern apprenticeship programme. These range from earning while you are learning, on the job training where you can develop skills and experience and the support to improve your qualifications.
“The benefits to the economy and young people have become clear and as a result the number of modern apprentices has been increased by the Scottish Government from 10,500 in 2008 to 28,000 in 2018-19. We are on track to achieve 30,000 new apprenticeship starts by 2020.
“Not only do young people and employers benefit from modern apprenticeships but Scotland also benefits from those taking the apprenticeship route as it boosts youth employment and helps to develop the economy.”
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) applauded employers who offered apprenticeship programmes and also emphasised the business benefits.
Grant McDougall, SDS’s Head of Operations for the South East said: “Across the area, many employers, young people and their parents are backing apprenticeships.
“Apprenticeships and work-based learning boost productivity, service quality and staff morale.
“There’s no better time to find out about how apprenticeships could bring benefits to your business, or about the career pathways they can provide to young people.
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