The Press and Journal today launches one of its most ambitious campaigns yet – to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days.
The clock is ticking and we need the support of businesses and public bodies in the north and north-east to hit our target.
The battle to find enough apprentices to meet rising demand is one of the biggest challenges facing Scotland and it will affect 70% of firms in the coming years.
Oil industry leader Sir Ian Wood, who was asked by the Scottish Government to find a solution to the crisis, praised the Press and Journal initiative.
And Jobs Minister Roseanna Cunningham described the paper’s Apprentice 100 campaign as a “brilliant” idea.
Bosses across every sector are being urged to pledge an apprentice or traineeship to the Apprentice 100 banner to raise awareness of the growing shortage.
At the same time, they will be giving a young person a golden opportunity to train for the job of their dreams.
The campaign is open to any sector – from engineering to hospitality; from public to private operations; and organisations of all sizes.
Just one apprenticeship or traineeship can make a big difference, and counts towards the magic 100.
Every organisation which makes a pledge will receive
coverage in the Press and Journal and appear on the newspaper’s “roll of honour” throughout
the campaign, while daily updates will also appear in the paper.
Ms Cunningham said: “This campaign is a brilliant way to champion the huge benefits that come from apprenticeships.”