Scot JCB attends successful apprenticeship event

More than 500 school leavers and other young people attended the Apprenticeship and Youth Recruitment event organised by Aberdeen City Council, which attracted a number of local and national organisations, including Aberdeen City Council, British Telecom, NHS Grampian, Sport Aberdeen, Marriott, Sainsburys, Arnold Clark, Stewart Milne, Scot JCB, Veripos, and Mears.

Council leader Barney Crockett said: "This was our second apprenticeship and youth recruitment event and it was an even greater success than the first one. This was a highly successful event well-attended by 506 young job seekers and some of their parents. It's great to see the message is clearly getting through – this is the city of opportunity. Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular and sought after among employers and young people. These opportunities are increasingly being looked on by industries and the workforce as a way of building their future, which is great for the city and great for them."

Information on career and training options was also available, with professionals on hand to discuss training and career choices for those not ready to enter employment.

Organiser Heather Farquhar, senior employability, skills and community enterprise officer said: "We're delighted by the success of the event. It has grown significantly since last year and, given the level of interest it attracted, we will be looking to repeat it on an annual basis.

"It was great to see so many people at the start of their career keen to seek an apprenticeship in a range of industries, and so many of them being supported by their families. I just wish we had vacancies for them all."