One of the greatest advances we could make in our economy is to value apprenticeships just as much as higher education.
There is still a need to overcome the disparity of how they are viewed in the minds of many people.
While I wouldn’t discourage anyone from going to university if that’s what they feel is best for their future, there is no doubt that apprenticeships can be every bit as beneficial and worthwhile. They can provide young people with the ideal kickstart to their careers.
In a wider sense, beyond the benefits to individuals, apprenticeships are a pivotal pillar of our economy. They provide a vital means of finding and nurturing new talent.
But, there is room for apprenticeships to help drive economic growth even more in this country. If we valued every path available to young people equally, without putting higher education on a pedestal, apprenticeships could become even more integral to boosting trade and enterprise.
That’s the message I am promoting as the Shadow Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training for the Scottish Conservative Party. I want to make sure every young person knows that yes, university can be great and may be the ideal path for you. But apprenticeships can be every bit as valuable and they are a fantastic option to consider.
It’s a message that is ingrained in the theme of this year’s Scottish Apprenticeships Week, which started on Monday.
The focus of this year’s events is ‘Unlocking Potential’. It aims to showcase what individuals and employers can achieve through apprenticeships. The ‘Unlocking Potential’ theme is all about spreading the news that by providing the skills employers want, apprenticeships support sustained employment, upskilling and a productive economy.
We need to make sure everyone has the power to take advantage of the opportunities that apprenticeships offer. As a Scottish Conservative, one of my core principles is ensuring that everyone, no matter where they grew up or what their parents did, has the chance to get ahead.
This year, I decided to recognise the brilliant apprentices who are doing amazing work for businesses and organisations right now. I ran Apprenticeship Awards for my region, the West of Scotland, to recognise some of the young people who are really standing out.
This week it has been a pleasure to meet up with the winners.
On Monday, I met Nicki Stevenson, a fantastic apprentice at West College Scotland.
Later in the week, on Wednesday, I invited the female winners - Caitlyn Houston and Chantelle Muir - to the Scottish Parliament on International Women’s Day.
It was important to be able to recognise that this career pathway is open to individuals of both genders, and it was great to hear about the contributions of two talented female apprentices from the West of Scotland.
As well as my apprenticeship awards, I have been out and about meeting apprentices hard at work - at colleges, small businesses, and even at HMNB Clyde in my region.
It has been great to meet just some of the fantastic apprentices who are already becoming vital parts of the organisations they have joined.
I would encourage everyone to do the same, so we can really start to value apprenticeships the way we should.