The Scottish Government will support Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) in a Home Energy Apprenticeship Pilot Programme which will build a framework of energy professionals to support the company's long term ability to contribute to energy efficiency goals.
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop made the announcement at Scotland's first ever Apprenticeship Summit, at the Signet Library in Edinburgh, which brought together employers and stakeholders from all across Scotland.
Speaking at the event, Fiona Hyslop said:"The Scottish Government is undertaking a range of work, through its six point economic recovery programme, to help individuals and organisations during the current downturn. We have already committed an additional £16m to increase apprenticeship recruitment in Scotland.
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"The First Minister had an initial discussion with Scottish and Southern Energy in January this year about the potential for a Modern Apprenticeship for Home Energy and now only three months later I am delighted to announce Scottish Government support for this Programme to initially be offered to 100 individuals in the first pilot year starting this August."
Colin Hood, Chief Operating Officer, Scottish and Southern Energy added: "To make progress in transforming Scotland to a low carbon economy, we must invest in the skills of the future and I am delighted to be working in partnership with the Scottish Government to fast track a home energy apprenticeship and training programme.
The Cabinet Secretary met two energy apprentices who will benefit from the new scheme at the Summit. Gillian Groundwater (21) from East Kilbride and David Stewart (20) from Perth. The Cabinet Secretary will also visit a home in Duddingston later in the day to observe a home energy survey and advice being given to a SSE customer. This will be one type of work to be undertaken by the new Home Energy Modern Apprentices.
(GK/JM)
