Scottish training council helps boost skills levels

Ongoing demands for more and more skilled craftsmen has seen a record number of apprentices come through the Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council (SBATC) ranks during 2003.

A total of 2089 apprentices were registered by the SBATC throughout the year. Of these 45 Adult Apprentices were registered onto the newly revised Adult Apprenticeship scheme for the construction industry in Scotland. 

This was introduced to give opportunities to those individuals who have a desire to follow a career path as a qualified tradesman in construction but who did not pursue such an opportunity when they were younger. 

With a skills gap to be plugged the SBATC aims to encourage more people to take a look at the opportunities available. 

It is calling for more emphasis to be placed on vocational training in schools and hope to improve the visibility of modern apprenticeships, to raise the profile amongst employers and to inform young people about their options.