Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD VISITS AES SOLAR TO MARK SCOTTISH APPRENTICESHIPS WEEK

Richard Lochhead MSP marked Scottish Apprenticeships Week 2022 with a visit to Forres based business AES Solar. 

Mr Lochhead was given a tour of the site and met with apprentices employed by the renewables company.

AES Solar has gained national recognition for its success in delivering apprenticeships and were finalists in the Employer of the Year category at the Scottish Apprenticeships Awards that took place this week.

Speaking after his visit, Moray’s MSP said:

“I was delighted to visit AES Solar to learn more about the good work they’re doing to provide high quality training opportunities for young people here in Moray. It was great to meet with some of their apprentices and to hear about their experiences at AES and their ambitions for the future.

“AES Solar are being recognised nationally for their efforts in delivering quality apprentices here in Moray and I know that many other local employers are also showing real leadership by investing in young people and furnishing them with skills for the future.

“There’s no doubt that the pandemic had an impact on the uptake of apprenticeships but the latest statistics published by Skills Development Scotland suggests this has improved in recent months. It’s important that we continue to make progress in delivering these opportunities for young people and to ensure we have a well-qualified workforce.

“As we work towards a just transition to net zero the delivery of modern apprenticeships across the economy – including in construction, transport, and renewable energy – is absolutely key to our ambitions for a fairer, greener Scotland.”