Apprenticeships reform ‘would ease skills gap’ – Daily Business

Ministers cannot afford to miss the opportunity to reform the way apprenticeships are delivered in Scotland, says a small business group.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) says the system needs to be modernised as it is failing to deliver for many smaller employers, school leavers and older workers looking to upskill.

The Scottish Parliament will debate the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill on Thursday which could help reshape apprenticeships and post-school training.

Guy Hinks, FSB Scotland chair, said:  “The way apprenticeships are being delivered in Scotland simply does not work for many smaller employers. The system for providing training opportunities has failed to keep pace with the changing needs of the Scottish economy.  

“One in five small businesses in Scotland was forced to reduce the services they offer customers in the last year due to staff shortages. 

“Modernising the training system in a way that encourages smaller employers to hire apprentices would be an important step towards tackling the skills gaps, which are a big part of this problem.” 

FSB research shows three-quarters of small businesses do not employ and have not employed an apprentice. 

Mr Hinks added: “We can’t afford to miss the opportunity the Bill offers to ensure apprenticeships in Scotland work for the country’s small businesses and the needs of the wider economy. 

“In order to do that, it is essential to listen and learn from the experience of small employers, including those who are hesitant to take on apprentices. That’s why the new system needs an enhanced mechanism to ensure the voices of small employers are meaningfully shaping decisions on design and delivery. 

“We are calling on the Scottish Government to take steps to increase the number of apprenticeships available. This should include statutory targets for incrementally increasing apprenticeship numbers and a new financial incentive to encourage small businesses to employ an apprentice. 

“It is also important that apprenticeships are made more readily available to all ages and used as a mechanism for lifelong learning and upskilling, in order to meet the future needs of the Scottish economy.”