GLASGOW – May 23, 2012
We are recognising the important contribution made by our apprentices with a special internal awards ceremony at Queenslie Training Centre on Friday 25 May.
The ‘Apprentice Awards’ are being held as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week (Monday 21 May – Friday 25 May), which encourages businesses to showcase the talent, enthusiasm and loyalty which Modern Apprentices bring to Scotland’s workplaces.
Our award-winning Queenslie Training Centre is among the most successful apprentice-training bases in Scotland. A recent recipient of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, we train more than 450 apprentices each year with skills such as painting and decorating, joinery, plumbing, electrical, roofing and construction operations.
We are also training Scotland’s first generation of “renewables” tradespeople with specific qualifications in micro-renewables as part of their apprenticeship programme.
The awards will honour the achievements of apprentices working across different trades with 21 accolades in total, including awards from the Unite Trade Union for ‘most improved apprentice’ and the Ucatt Trade Union for ‘best attendance.’
Cllr Paul Carey, Chair said: “Apprenticeships are of great importance in helping young people to learn new skills and gain employment. In the current economic climate it is vital that apprentices continue to learn their trade and work towards their goals.
“We have many talented and dedicated apprentices, and it gives me great pleasure to help recognise their commitment by presenting the Apprentice Awards as one of my first official duties.”
Managing Director, John Foley, said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity for us to underline our commitment to delivering apprenticeships in Scotland, and to recognise the hard work and achievements of our apprentices.
“The Apprentice Awards will recognise the vital contribution made by our apprentices and encourage them to continue to work to the highest standard and encourage positive attitudes.
“We are proud to have an impressive apprentice training completion rate of 95 per cent – compared to an industry average of 58 per cent. This is due to our award-winning training and wrap-around support, and the Apprentice Awards will further demonstrate the positive effect which Modern Apprenticeships can have in helping young people build their careers.”
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