500 energy apprenticeships announced in Scotland

500 modern apprenticeships have been announced in the energy and “low carbon” industries.

 

Scotland First Minister Alex Salmond announced that £1 million will be made available for the places over the next year. 

 

Visiting employees of Scotland Gas Networks and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) Salmond said, "Across all industries, it is vital that we continue to produce the skills and expertise that will support long-term, sustainable employment and economic growth”

 

"We are providing, through Skills Development Scotland, a record 25,000 modern apprenticeship starts across Scotland in 2011-12, and 46,500 training opportunities overall.”

 

"As part of this record allocation, I'm delighted to announce our agreement with Skills Development Scotland to make available up to 500 modern apprenticeships places to support the continued growth in our energy and low carbon economy sectors next year."

 

Gary Hamilton, head of the apprentice programme at SSE, said: "Our apprentice scheme is an investment for the future, many of our senior staff began their careers as apprentices, and have enjoyed significant development opportunities from the moment they joined the company. A whole new world can be opened up for apprentices."