New apprenticeships for Scottish growth industry

The SNP has today announced new apprenticeships in the growing life sciences industry will be introduced in August this year (2009).

As we invest in the skills needed to ensure a strong future for Scotland's economy SNP Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced the new training programme for young Scots as she built links for Scotland's life sciences sector in China.

Ms Hyslop who joined Scottish life scienecs firm Touchbionics who are  working in China said;

 "The life science industry is one of Scotland's key economic sectors and will play an important part in contributing to our future economic recovery.  

"In March 2008, at the Touch Bionics Centre of Excellence in Livingston, I announced the proposals a new Life Science Modern Apprenticeship framework. Today, I can confirm that this will allow modern apprentices to take up an MA in Life Sciences in the new academic year from August 2009.

"The strength in life sciences in China and Scotland mean that there are exciting opportunities for collaboration and co-operation, which is, and will, bring benefits to both nations. The Scottish Government, like the Chinese Government views life sciences as one of the top priority sectors. It is one in which Scotland has already established international collaborations and we continue to look to China as a complementary partner in further developing our life sciences business."

Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick who convenes the cross party group on life sciences;

"As we face tough times in our economy we must work together to ensure our young people have the skills we need for the future.

"An apprenticeship in life sciences will offer our young people the opportunity to train for employment in one of Scotland's growing industries.

"There is no doubt Scotland is leading the way in life sciences. As the industry grows we need more people trained to support the work of our scientists - this apprenticeship will do that and encourage more young people into sciences.

"With around 18,000 apprenticeship places available across our industries this year a new apprenticeship in life sciences highlights the SNP's commitment to working with Scottish industry and Scotland's young people to ensure we have the skills we need to deliver a strong Scottish economy in the future."