Tuesday, 15 November 2011

The Scottish laundry and dry cleaning industries are preparing to open up 120 apprenticeship places through the new Skillset Modern Apprenticeship programme that is being launched later this month.

This is the first time such a programme, which has been developed by Skillset, has been offered for these industries, which have been struggling to attract new employees.

Director of Skillset Scotland, Alasdair Smith, said: "This programme is going to provide a real boost to these industries, giving them a structure to recruit, train and retain the new talent that they so desperately need.

"Not only that, but this programme can now be rolled out across the UK, providing much-needed employment opportunities for young people and helping our industries to keep growing through these tough economic times."

Beginning in late November, apprentices will be trained by Tarheel Training Centre, and are employed in more than 20 different companies - ranging from small operators to some of Scotland's largest laundry companies.

Director of Tarheel, Archie Kerr, said: "These companies are biting our hands off for the opportunity to train their employees."

"Initially we thought we would be training about 40 apprentices, but now that number has tripled and we know there is still demand for more, so this programme could not have come at a better time."

Each apprentice will have their training supported by the Scottish Government through Skills Development Scotland. Tarheel will also work with The Intraining Group to arrange short-term work placements for unemployed young people with a view to getting them on the apprenticeships. 

-Ends-

 Notes to Editors:

• The companies taking on apprentices through this scheme are: Kleen Cleaners, Edinburgh; Bairds Dry-cleaners, Glasgow; Johnson Cleaners UK; Mayfair Cleaners, East Kilbride; Camelon Laundry, Falkirk; Euroclean, Edinburgh; Euroclean, Glasgow; The Laundry Company, Pitlochry; Kleen Cleaners, Edinburgh; Euroclean, Glasgow; Fishers, Prestonhall; Fishers, Riggs Place; Fishers, Perth; Fishers, Aberfeldy; New Wave, Kirkcaldy; Johnsons Apparelmaster, Perth; Sunlight, Grangemouth; Professional Linen Services, Bonnyrigg; Johnsons Stalbridge, Glasgow; Sunlight, Glasgow; Cannon, Glasgow; Textile Care Company, Larkhall; Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld

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