Skills Development Scotland Launch 2013 Modern Apprenticeship Scheme at Tennent's Training Academy

GLASGOW, Scotland, April 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

The lives of 25,000 young people in Scotland have been transformed in 2012/13 by taking up a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) opportunity.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130412/607932 )

The Scottish Government and Skills Development Scotland have confirmed that the target to enhance the job prospects of 25,000 young people through training in a key sector has been met for a second year.

Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance marked the occasion by meeting a number of MAs working at the Tennent's Training Academy in Glasgow.

She said:

"The Scottish Government recognises the value of the Modern Apprenticeship programme in developing and improving the skills of our young people. An MA gives them a job and a qualification, as well as a real entry point to the working world. This is precisely why we set ourselves the challenging target to offer 25,000 MA opportunities for each year of the current Parliament and I am delighted that the target has again been reached.

"Much of the credit for this work must go to Scotland's employers. To create 25,000 opportunities every year requires a willingness to get involved in the future welfare of our young people. Throughout 2013 I will be asking more employers in Scotland to make young people their business, but I would also offer my thanks to those who have got involved so far.

"MAs are just part of our action to help young people into employment, including the investment of £29 million into third sector programme Community Jobs Scotland and guaranteeing every young person aged 16 to 19 a place in education or training through Opportunities for All. Scotland's recent job figures show that the action we are taking is having an effect, including lower unemployment and higher employment amongst our young people compared to the UK. However, we will not be complacent and action will continue this year, including the rollout of employer recruitment incentives across local authorities in the coming months."

Skills Development Scotland's Chief Executive Damien Yeates said: "Today shows in very tangible terms the commitment of employers and individuals and how Modern Apprenticeships have a vital and valuable impact on Scotland's economy. I hope it will encourage other employers to offer more opportunities to help people build their future."

John Gilligan, Managing Director of Tennent Caledonian, commented:

"We are delighted to welcome Angela Constance, Youth Employment Minister to the Tennent's Training Academy for today's historic announcement on the Skills Development Scotland Modern Apprenticeship Programme. This scheme is without doubt an excellent way of training Scotland's young people in their chosen careers and industries. Having completed an apprenticeship myself, I found it gave me a certain discipline and confidence throughout my working career. At Tennent Caledonian we have our very own Modern Apprentice Plus Programme that nurtures 26 of the hospitality industry's brightest and most ambitious young Scots each year. Our Training Academy is now in its third year of operation, having successfully trained over 10,000 candidates in accredited hospitality qualifications across Scotland. This is part of our ongoing investment in raising the bar across the on-trade and hospitality industry in Scotland."

Notes to editors

Tennent Caledonian

• The Tennent's business has been brewing since 1740 at the historic Wellpark Brewery in the east end of Glasgow - built by H&R Tennent and today the oldest running commercial concern in Glasgow
• Founded in 1885, Tennent's Lager is known as an industry pioneer, recognised as being the first commercial lager to be produced to scale in Scotland (and one of the first in the UK) and at the forefront of introducing canned and draught lager to the UK
• The brand is renowned for its iconic 'Red T' logo and for its innovative marketing campaigns, including some of Scotland's most memorable and entertaining advertising
• In November 2010 the business opened its Tennent's Training Academy on-site at Wellpark. This state-of-the-art facility provides high quality industry training that is accessible for the entire industry - not just for Tennent's customers
• In October 2011, Tennent Caledonian launched a major new beer brand for Scotland - Caledonia Best - made with 100 per cent Scottish barley
• In March 2012 Scotland's First Minister the Right Honourable Alex Salmond MSP opened a new £4 million bottling line at Wellpark Brewery
• In April 2012 Tennent Caledonian launched a new premium export lager for the Scottish market: Tennent's Original Export - brewed in Glasgow using the finest natural ingredients
• In July 2012 Tennent Caledonian was awarded a series of gold, silver and bronze medals at two of the toughest global beer quality challenges: the Monde Selection in Belgium and the International Beer Challenge. Three of the business's new brands fared well in the competitions, with five medals awarded for Tennent's Original Export (UK market), and Tennent's Scotch Ale / Tennent's Extra (Italian market)
• On 14^th September 2012, Tennents celebrated the achievement of Scotland's athletes by producing a limited edition commemorative bottle of its award winning Tennent's Original Export Lager and donating 5p / pint from all sales of Tennent's Lager, Caledonia Best and Tennent's Original Export on the day of the Olympians Parade in Glasgow. This initiative saw £16,000 raised for Capability Scotland.