On Monday the 6th of March, we welcomed Highlands and Islands Green MSP Ariane Burgess to our office. The occasion celebrated Scottish Apprenticeship Week. The minister was invited to see how we train our workforce in the environmental sector.
“Small, innovative businesses like AES Solar make a huge contribution to addressing the climate crisis.
“Retro-fitting homes and boosting the variety of renewable energy Scotland generates is critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and energy bills.
“AES are a great example of what can be achieved to grow green skills, something that I’m keen to see further developed through this parliamentary term.”
Ariane Burgess MSP
Mrs Burgess lodged a motion to Holyrood congratulating us on our Queen’s Award win. We received our official award from the Lord Lieutenant of Moray on the same day as the minister’s visit.
Shining a Light on Apprenticeships
The event demonstrates how apprenticeships are unlocking potential and helping people develop skills. They also support economic priorities and renewal, including Net Zero ambitions. This will help Scotland to become a stronger, fairer, greener and wealthier economy. Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships are supporting over 43,000 apprentices and 12,000 businesses across the country. Visit apprenticeships.scot to find out more.
Chair of Skills Development Scotland, Frank Mitchell, said:
“Designed by industry, for industry, apprenticeships not only help the economy but also create sustainable jobs across all parts of Scotland. These opportunities have been taken by individuals from across society, including many young people traditionally with restricted opportunities to progress who have gone onto flourish in the workplace.
“These are real jobs backed by employers who contribute £10 for every £1 spent by government, and at the same time apprentices contribute by paying their taxes.
“Creating a diverse and inclusive workforce through work-based learning is benefiting employers as apprentices enable them to adapt and sustain their business.”
Bright Sparks
There is traditionally a lower skill set among young people in Forres. This is something AES Solar’s commitment to opportunity is helping to overcome.
We have an extensive apprenticeship programme with a 100 per cent retention rate. The company, which employs 33 people, is currently supporting three apprentices.
However, Since 2015, nine young people have been supported through apprenticeship schemes. Within that group, several members of staff have completed multiple modern apprenticeships. Others have gone on to graduate apprenticeships.
AES Solar Marketing Manager, Hannah Jakobsen, highlighted the benefit of apprenticeships.
“We foster youth development through apprenticeships, diversifying the local economy, encouraging young people to stay and create a sense of ambition across the wider community.
“Successful apprenticeships mean we can delegate more roles and responsibilities. This frees up staff in other areas, which increases staff satisfaction levels across the board. This also means we can provide stronger customer service. It’s a win-win all around really!”
