An extra 500 Modern Apprenticeship places are being funded over the next year in Scotland, in the first step to expand the county’s current apprentice programme from 25,000 to 30,000 by 2020.
A £3.8 million investment was announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon this week.
The funding will also be used to create more opportunities for young people still at school through work-based Foundation Apprenticeships for senior secondary pupils, which will provide industry recognised qualifications and first hand insight into the world of work.
School-leavers in Aberdeenshire are being offered the opportunity to undertake a three week introductory and safety course in fishing at the Scottish Maritime Academy (SMA) in Peterhead followed by a two-month work placement aboard a working fishing vessel.
The initiative, launched in February, is expected to get its first intake of students in June.
North East MSP Christian Allard said, “As an important part of the North East economy, encouraging youngsters into the fishing industry and ensuring that the next generation of skippers get the best possible training should also be a priority.
“Attracting new talent to a traditional skills sector like fishing will ensure that the industry in the region has a bright future.”
Career opportunities for youngsters in the fishing industry will be a key focus of this year’s Skipper Expo Int. at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on 29 and 30 May.
