Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 23 March 2016
23 Mar 2016 · S4 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Portfolio Question Time
Apprenticeships (Government Support)
Fair Work, Skills and Training
I have been contacted by representatives of Ardfern Yacht Centre, in Argyll, who are keen to take on an apprentice boat builder to train with their experienced team. They have identified the young person, who is keen to fulfil the role, but they are experiencing problems accessing funding support from Skills Development Scotland, because the formal theory parts of the MA are delivered only at three specialist training colleges in the south of England.
Will the minister investigate the case and encourage SDS to be as flexible as possible, so that that business can take on an apprentice boat builder? After all, Scotland has a fair reputation for building boats and ships of all classes. Was not “Clydebuilt” once a byword for excellence?
In the same item of business
2. Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
To ask the Scottish Government how it supports apprenticeships. (S4O-05687)
The Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment (Annabelle Ewing)
SNP
The Scottish Government’s highly successful modern apprenticeship programme is a key element of our approach to economic development and youth employment. We...
Jamie McGrigor
Con
I have been contacted by representatives of Ardfern Yacht Centre, in Argyll, who are keen to take on an apprentice boat builder to train with their experienc...
Annabelle Ewing
SNP
I know that this is Mr McGrigor’s last question time—or perhaps not quite, as he might have a few more questions to come this morning. I thank him for provid...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
Con
Many thanks. As ever, short questions and answers are appreciated.