Lanarkshire Housing Association launches apprenticeships scheme

Lanarkshire Housing Association recently welcomed Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills Jamie Hepburn MSP and Clare Adamson MSP to its office in Motherwell, to hear more about an innovative sponsorship scheme for apprenticeships.  

In conjunction with New College Lanarkshire (NCL), Lanarkshire Housing Association (LHA) has agreed to provide funding for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to encourage them to establish apprenticeship programmes or to take on additional staff. This project is fully supported by the Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) for Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire.

During the visit, attendees were shown a presentation on how the scheme was established, the benefits to be gained and the employment opportunities being created in the Lanarkshire area. Lanarkshire Housing Association reported that the feedback received was “extremely positive” and resulted in others pledging support to promote this worthwhile funding initiative.

Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills Jamie Hepburn said: “The Scottish Government wants to ensure that all Scotland’s people and businesses are equipped with the right skills to succeed in the economy, not just now but in the future.

“By listening to young people, and working with them, we will deliver fairer opportunities and ensure that our workforce flourishes.”

Charlie Millar, Chairperson of LHA, said: “The association places high its social and corporate responsibility, and its role in supporting communities, therefore, I am pleased that the funding being offered is used wisely and to great effect, which our tenants can be proud of. 

“I am grateful for the support given by NCL and DYW on this project.”

In February 2019, the association initially approached NCL to discuss the feasibility of setting up the sponsorship scheme, who were interested in taking this project forward. 

Barry Skea, Head of Faculty for Engineering and Automotive at NCL, said: “When the association shared the idea, we immediately recognised the full potential of this scheme and have worked closely to ensure it becomes successful. We applaud the association for creating this vision to help young people. The interest from SMEs in the Lanarkshire area has been great and is set to increase over time.”

DYW teams work collaboratively with organisations across Scotland to help make projects, such as this one, a reality.

Alison Nimmo, Regional Manager of DYW for Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire, said: “This scheme is vital as it provides a financial lifeline to small firms, based locally, who aspire to take on additional staff but have been unable to due to the lack of funding opportunities.  I am positive it will make a difference to everyone who becomes involved.”

To find out more about the sponsorship scheme, please visit the association’s website at www.lanarkshireha.com

Pictured: From left to right: Laurie Boles (Lanarkshire Housing Association), Charlie Millar (Lanarkshire Housing Association), Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills Jamie Hepburn, Clare Adamson MSP, Alison Nimmo (Developing the Young Workforce), Barry Skea (New College Lanarkshire) and Simon McManus (Lanarkshire Housing Association).