£1000 funding available from Scottish Government

Christina McKelvie, SNP MSP for Central Scotland, has welcomed the launch of a new initiative by the Scottish Government that will give businesses of all sizes and in all sectors the opportunity to receive £1,000 to take on a new apprentice. The £4million funding is open to businesses across Scotland, and Christina has encouraged businesses in the Hamilton area to apply to the scheme if they would benefit from taking on an apprentice.

The scheme is part of ScotAction, the Scottish Government’s skills support package for leading Scotland out of recession and on to economic growth. It combines new and improved measures to help individuals and businesses through the recession and will provide skills assistance – including wage subsidies in some circumstances – for training for work, training in work and training from work to help people and businesses in Scotland survive the downturn and thrive when the economy starts to recover.

Businesses can find out more by visiting http://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/scotaction.aspx or calling Skills Development Scotland on 0808 100 8095.

Commenting, Christina said:

“This initiative from the Scottish Government could make a real difference to businesses of all shapes and sizes across the Hamilton area.

“The offer of £1000 to take on a new apprentice will benefit our hard working companies and employers who continue to fight the effects of the recession. It will also provide increased skills training opportunities to thousands of individuals across Scotland.

“Apprentices are vital for Scotland’s recovery. The Scottish Government’s action shows that it wants to make sure that businesses continue to invest in training for the people who will be our workforce of the future.

“I would encourage any local business that might be interested in the scheme to contact Skills Development Scotland on 0808 100 8095.”