Deputy Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Charandeep Singh, on the recommendations of the SAAB Race Commission.
Addressing the under-representation of minority ethnic groups in apprenticeships is not just a matter of social responsibility; it is a strategic business imperative.
Companies that embrace diversity tend to outperform their less diverse counterparts, enjoying increased productivity, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
With the publication of SAAB Race Commission 5 March come recommendations for businesses of all sizes on one area where they can make a significant impact on diversity – apprenticeships.
The Commission’s research reveals that minority ethnic participation in Scottish apprenticeships remains below the target of 5.1%. This under-representation is not only a missed opportunity for individuals but also for businesses that could benefit from a more diverse talent pool.
As Deputy Chair of the Commission, I’ve been closely involved in the development of this final report and its clear recommendations.
Throughout the process we’ve heard evidence across Scotland from a wide range of businesses and apprentices talking about the barriers to improving the reach of apprenticeship programmes and how we can work together to break this down. I was most struck by the feedback from minority ethnic apprentices who shared their passion and enthusiasm of the value of their apprenticeship experience and their direct involvement within industry. Their feedback also highlighted the prevalence of cultural stigma between apprenticeships and further and higher education and a lack of understanding in community circles of the immense economic and educational value of apprenticeships.
As a result of listening to a wide range of stakeholders, the Commission has published 20 recommendations for employers, Scottish Government, education, and public agencies.
Chief among the recommendations is for league tables to include apprenticeship places to encourage greater parity of esteem. We are also calling the Scottish Government to ensure equality considerations are embedded within any review of funding and/or allocation of apprenticeships.
The recommendations for public agencies responsible for delivering apprenticeships include ensuring that minority ethnic customers receive the highest level of support and to address gaps in existing and future evidence around apprenticeships.
For schools, a call for dedicated time in the curriculum for learning about apprenticeship opportunities and their position relative to SCQF levels and in supporting young people with the apprenticeship application process.
But what of recommendations for business?
Collaboration will be key to boosting diverse workforces.
Here at the Chambers we understand the important part we will play in supporting employers to take advantage of the roadmap we’re laying out. We will not do this in isolation and we will encourage industry-wide collaboration withbusiness groups such as FSB and IOD to fully realise the ambitions of these recommendations. .
The recommendations are:
- create more mentoring and networking opportunities for minority ethnic apprentices, including tailored support mechanisms
- to create “reverse mentoring” for employers, especially those in leadership positions
- to share learning from successful practice from BME employers and creating cross-industry mentoring with other employers.
- to create an evolving business case showing the value of equality and diversity as part of the support/resource package to employers
- to improve the application process, workplace experience and career progression for minority ethnic apprentices by developing an anti-racism framework for employers.
- to highlight safe working practices, safety at work and the importance of limiting out of hours activities for apprentices that may act as a barrier to women and girls, particularly those operating in male-dominated industries.
The findings of the SAAB Race Commission provide a compelling argument for businesses to prioritise diversity in their apprenticeship programmes.
By adopting inclusive practices and taking proactive steps to support minority ethnic individuals, businesses can drive innovation, improve performance, and contribute to a more equitable society.
