Small and medium size businesses in the manufacturing, textiles, food and drink and energy sectors will be given a £2,000 financial incentive to take on a new apprentice.

Announcing the new 'Invest in an Apprentice' scheme at Renewable Devices Swift Turbines Ltd, a small renewable energy company in Edinburgh, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Fiona Hyslop said: "Apprentices are vital for Scotland's recovery. That is why I am inviting small and medium size businesses in the manufacturing, textiles, food and drink and energy sectors to take advantage of this Scottish government and European Social Fund incentive of £2,000 to take on a new 16-19 year old apprentice.

"Our whole economy has faced massive challenges over recent months. However, in order to ensure that our economy continues to be competitive in a global market over the next few years we need to invest now in people who can develop the skills that we will need in the future."


Dr David Anderson, Director of Renewable Devices Swift Turbines Ltd said: "The recession is having an affect on all business and finances can be tight - even in the growing renewable energy sector.

"As a small business we constantly need to balance the need to keep our short to medium term cashflow workable for the business with the requirement to build a skilled workforce for the future. We currently do not have an apprentice, but as a result of today's funding announcement, Renewable Devices will definitely be considering taking an apprentice on in the future"

Niall Stuart, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, believes the renewable energy industry is growing at an incredible rate, and that means a strong demand for all types and levels of skills.

"A lack of suitably skilled people has been identified as one of the main barriers to future growth.

"This additional support will allow more employers of all sizes to take on apprentices, which will help reduce skills gaps and bring more young people into this exciting and fast-developing industry," he said.

Mr Stuart urged employers of all sizes to take advantage of this extra finance and to get in touch with Skills Development Scotland or their local college to find out about the range of public sector support and advice available to help them grow their business.

(GK/KMcA)