Report to the People
7th April 2008
The
Apprentice
Looking back on it,
those of us who took up an apprenticeship after leaving school probably learned
more during those years than we have before or since - and not just in terms of
skills.
We also know what
happens when young people can’t get an apprenticeship: too many are condemned
to temporary, low-paid, low-skill jobs, to their detriment and that of the
economy.
I am, therefore, backing a
proposed Bill, lodged in the Scottish Parliament by my colleague, John Park, to
give every 16 to 18-year-old the right to an apprenticeship.
If passed, the Bill would ensure that there is a modern apprenticeship in
a traditional trade or one of our newer industries for all young people who want
one and who meet the entry requirements.
Be
warned, though, this is not a done deal. It
won’t be easy to navigate the Bill through the legislative process as, being
in opposition, we’ll need to build a coalition of MSPs from across the
parties.
But
that’s my job as your MSP. Your
job, on the other hand, is to lend the benefit of your knowledge and experience
to the consultation process, which has now begun.
Who
knows the value of an apprenticeship better than us? And who is better placed to provide firsthand testimony on
the benefits for both employee and employer?
You
have until 17th
June to share your views on these and other questions and copies of the
consultation document are available from my office on 791820.
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