Universities and Colleges unite to help businesses prosper

The University of Stirling is working in collaboration with higher and further education institutions from across Scotland to raise awareness of apprenticeships.

The University has developed a weeklong virtual roadshow of events to be delivered in collaboration with the University of Dundee, with each event welcoming a local college partner to give employers access to information about apprenticeships in their area. The events aim to encourage employers to upskill new or existing staff and help their companies grow.

Running online from Monday 15 March to Friday 19 March, the Scottish Apprenticeship Employer Events will give employers the opportunity to find out more about fully funded apprenticeship opportunities available from Skills Development Scotland (SDS), including Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships. The programmes allow firms to develop current or new members of staff up to degree level.

Fiona McMillan, Business Engagement Officer at the University of Stirling said: “We’re delighted to be making more organisations aware of the positive impacts of the whole apprenticeship family.

“Working with colleagues at Dundee and at a number of Scottish colleges enables us to raise the profile of this fully funded initiative. Apprenticeships provide a fantastic solution to the skills challenges faced by many companies, equipping them for the future and we’re proud to be part of that.”

The University of Stirling offers the Graduate Apprenticeship in Data Science and is delighted to have apprentices from organisations including Scottish Fire and Rescue, the Student Loan Company and several local authorities in our first cohort.

With many employers having to adapt to the uncertain business climate prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Wayne Paul, Dundee’s Industrial Liaison Officer, said that apprenticeships offer the best of both worlds for both enterprise and employees.

“Many people hear the word apprenticeship and associate them solely with the trades, those starting out in their careers, or think that they are for those who did not thrive at school. That is a huge misconception.

“Our programmes allow businesses to develop their workforce at any stage of their career, be that providing an opportunity to someone just starting out in their career, upskilling a current member of the workforce, or providing an opportunity for someone who is looking to change direction within the business.”

The Scottish Apprenticeships Employer Events takes place online from Monday 15 March to Friday 19 March. Further details and booking information are available online.