McArthur backs Scottish Apprenticeship Week campaign during visit to UHI Orkney

Orkney's MSP Liam McArthur has kicked off this year's Scottish Apprenticeship Week campaign with a visit to UHI Orkney.

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025 runs from 3rd to 7th March, and this year's theme is 'Made for Business', highlighting how apprenticeships can help build the skilled workforce that Scotland's businesses need.

The visit to UHI Orkney today was organised by Laura Bruce, lecturer in Hospitality, Business & Tourism and an assessor and coordinator for Scottish Voluntary Qualifications. During the visit, Mr McArthur met young apprentices, local employers and some of those involved in supporting the programme locally.

Commenting afterwards, Mr McArthur said:

"Apprenticeships offer a win-win for both the workforce and local businesses.

“The young people I met at UHI Orkney today were clear about the benefits in terms of developing skills and confidence while also getting hands on experience of the world of work. The employers were equally positive about the impact on their business and the satisfaction from being involved in helping nurture young talent.

"Apprenticeships are already well-established in Orkney, but this year’s campaign is right to highlight the importance of showcasing the opportunities to a wider range of employers.

“Those running small businesses can often feel they don’t have the capacity to take on an apprentice. With help and support available, however, I have no doubt that many more such businesses could reap the benefits and address some of the recruitment challenges they face.

“For those thinking about their future career, or uncertain what to do next, apprenticeships provide an ideal opportunity to develop skills and experience without having to leave the islands. I cannot recommend the apprenticeship scheme highly enough.”