Nominations are open for the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in a nationwide search to find Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year.
Organised by Skills Development Scotland, in partnership with employers and learning providers across Scotland, the awards celebrate the vital benefits apprenticeships bring to individuals and the economy.
Now in its 22nd year, the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards recognises apprentices, employers and learning providers from across the country working in a range of sectors.
The key role of apprenticeships in supporting Scotland’s climate change ambitions is recognised through Supporting Net Zero award categories for apprentices and apprentice employers.
Other award categories will highlight the individual achievements of apprentices and the incredible support shown by employers, instructors and mentors.
Skills Development Scotland Chair, Frank Mitchell said: “Backed by incredible businesses with invaluable support from learning providers, apprenticeships provide people from a diverse range of backgrounds and abilities access to more opportunities.
“The Scottish Apprenticeship Awards are a fantastic platform to demonstrate the difference apprenticeships make to people’s lives, and the value they bring to employers and Scotland’s economy.”
Minister for Higher and Further Education, Graeme Dey MSP said: “Apprenticeships play an important role in the Scottish Government’s wider ambition to deliver equality of opportunity, so that everyone can fulfil their potential and contribute to our society, economy and place in the wider world.
“Apprenticeships provide life-changing skills that society needs to build a wellbeing economy.
“Scottish Government’s priority is for high quality apprenticeships that provide sustainable jobs and careers, supporting our transition to net zero.
“These awards are an important opportunity to recognise the impact of apprentices, their employers and supporters across the length and breadth of the country.”
RI Cruden’s efforts to drive skills in renewable energy led to the firm becoming the current title holder of the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in the Supporting Net Zero – Employer category.
Director Callum Cruden, a former apprentice himself, said: “Households remain the highest contributors to overall UK greenhouse gas emissions. Our apprentices help to reduce this daily by servicing existing heating systems to maximise product longevity or installing new renewable energy solutions that we provide extended warranties for.”
Apprentices account for a quarter of the workforce, with all directly involved in renewables projects at various stages, whether in estimating or installation teams – meaning they all contribute towards the environmental benefits achieved.
Nominations for the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards close at noon on Wednesday, 4 October 2023 and winners will be revealed during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which takes place from 4 to 8 March 2024.
More information on categories, entry rules and the online nominations forms are found on apprenticeships.scot/awards.
