It was disappointing to see the latest statistics released from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) regarding apprenticeships in Scotland.
Despite the Scottish Government’s aim to prioritise and increase the number of young people in apprenticeships, the number of 16 to 24-year-old apprentices has fallen rather significantly.
Over the past decade, the data reveals a disheartening drop of over 5,800 young individuals engaging in apprenticeship programmes. This begs the question: How did this happen, especially when policies were designed to encourage those joining the world of work into these developmental roles?
Alongside this concerning trend, exam pass rates, which came out in August, were low compared to previous years. In fact, as of this year, there are now larger attainment gaps between the most and least deprived parts of the country.
In isolation, both statistics are certainly concerning. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. According to the Scottish Government, 95.5 per cent of school leavers in 2022 were in a positive destination just three months after the end of the school year.
When referencing a ‘positive destination’, it simply means pupils were either in higher or further education, some sort of training, personal skills development or they had found work, after they finished secondary school.
In my opinion, this is a brilliant stat. It certainly helps take the edge off the negativity around the uptake on apprenticeships and a drop in positive exam results.
The percentage was the highest proportion since 2009-10, with the number of unemployed school leavers decreasing from 4.2 per cent in 2020-21 to 4.9 per cent for 2021-22 leavers.
Look, in an ideal world, we would have a zero per cent unemployment rate for those leaving school, but that just won’t happen. Still, it’s a real work in progress.
Right now, though, my biggest fear is that the Scottish Government is still not doing enough to help young people move into these ‘positive destinations’, especially apprenticeship programmes, following the statistics that have just come to light.
Just like the CIPD, I believe there needs to be more funding for employers to be able to offer valuable experience in training and skills development for young people. However, SMEs just don’t have the budget or resource to focus on funding off-the-job training costs without government support.
This is especially worrying when it’s evident that there is still a skills shortage in Scotland, across numerous different sectors.
To put this into perspective, the annual Business Barometer study, produced by the Open University and the British Chambers of Commerce, revealed that more than two-thirds of Scottish companies are struggling with a skills shortage, leading to them being unable to fill certain roles due to the lack of applicants.
The obvious solution to this challenge for the Scottish Government, to me anyway, is to increase support and funding for apprenticeships.
The CIPD has set out a range of recommendations for the Scottish Government, such as direct financial incentives for business owners alongside a focus on funding off-the-job training costs. I think it would be worth taking this on board so that by this time next year we can see an increase in the percentage of young people in apprentice roles.
It’s important to look out for the younger generation, those who are coming from school into higher education or those looking for a different route into employment, as they are our future workforce and vital to the Scottish economy.
If we can shorten the skills gap and increase the number of apprenticeships available for younger Scots, then we’ll see multiple benefits. So, with the Scottish Government’s supposed commitment to investing in the future, I remain hopeful in seeing a surge in SMEs across the nation offering apprenticeships, especially to the younger demographic, via support from the government.
After all, a robust workforce is the backbone of Scotland’s economy, and nurturing the next generation is key to ensuring its enduring strength.
Scottish Business Confidence Dips, But Hope Remains
The recent report highlighting a dip in business confidence in Scotland is a stark reminder of the challenging times we find ourselves in.
According to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, business confidence in the country fell seven points during October to 26 per cent.
As the global economic landscape continues to shift and evolve, it’s no surprise that businesses are treading cautiously.
Scotland, like the rest of the world, is grappling with supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, and fluctuating consumer demand. This has inevitably impacted the confidence levels of business owners and investors.
As a result, collaboration between businesses and government bodies becomes even more crucial. Supportive policies and incentives can provide a much-needed lifeline for struggling enterprises. Encouraging entrepreneurship and fostering a nurturing environment for startups can also inject fresh energy into the business ecosystem.
On a positive note, adversity has a way of breeding innovation. History is bursting with examples of businesses that not only survived but thrived during challenging times. The seeds of the next big breakthrough could very well be sown in these uncertain times.
So, while the dip in business confidence in Scotland is concerning, it’s not a death knell. It’s a call to action, a signal to adapt, evolve, and find new ways to thrive in an ever-changing world.
With the right mix of determination, innovation, and collaboration, I have faith that Scotland’s businesses have the potential to rise stronger and more resilient than ever before.
It Made Me Laugh
Heinz Teaches Brits to Make Beans on Toast
Oh, beans on toast, the quintessential British brekkie! It seems, however, that this classic dish has left some in a bit of a culinary conundrum.
Heinz, in a stroke of gastronomic genius, has graciously provided a step-by-step recipe guide to rescue those who find themselves in a bean-based bind.
A recent study reveals that one in five Brits have yet to master this brekkie favourite, leaving them in a bit of a pickle—or should I say, a bean tin?
Some of the dilemmas included not knowing whether to drain the beans first, or not knowing how long to toast the bread.
I can’t help but wonder what’s next on the instructional menu. The possibilities are as endless as a bottomless teapot.
It Made Me Weep
Marketing Mishap Causes Stir in Stirling
In the fast-paced world of business, one wrong move can send a company’s reputation spiralling faster than you can say “marketing mishap.”
Case in point – Safe Hands Support, a day care centre in Stirling, recently found themselves in hot water over a rather… wrinkled idea.
In a bold move that left many scratching their heads, the centre decided to use rubber face masks to depict pensioners in a new ad.
But the “ageist” masks ignited a firestorm of criticism, leaving Safe Hands Support with a PR blunder on their hands.
Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m all for creativity in marketing. But this unfortunate mishap reminds us why businesses should always have checks in place before launching stunts.
