Hiring twice as many apprentices
Leading IT firm Microsoft has announced that it will be recruiting over 2,000 apprentices in Scotland, twice the figure it would usually employ. The company will collaborate with its Scottish partners to recruit the Modern Apprentices (MAs) over the next three years. Research undertaken by Skills Development Scotland revealed that 92% of those who finished their apprenticeships remained in employment sixth months after completion.
First Minister, Alex Salmond, said: “Microsoft is supporting investment in Scottish skills and in its own future in Scotland. Recruiting 2,016 apprentices by 2016 represents a huge endorsement of Scotland’s young people from a company with operations in dozens of countries.”
Michel Van der Bel, managing director at Microsoft UK, said: “The digital technologies industry employs over 100,000 people in Scotland and is expanding fast. At Microsoft we want to help ensure there are skilled people coming into the workplace to secure the future for the sector. These are real jobs for young people in a vibrant, growing and exciting industry, which will help bring economic and employment opportunities.”