Murdo has highlighted the importance of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, following a recent visit to speak to apprentices at Sidey Windows and Doors in Perth.
The Scottish Conservative politician was delighted to meet the apprentices who are learning valuable trades with the company.
Commenting, Murdo said: “I had a very interesting visit to speak to apprentices at Sidey. I am always keen to visit local employers during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, as apprenticeships provide young people with skills which they will hopefully use in their career.
“Sidey are now Scotland’s leading manufacturer of doors and windows. It is great to see a company like this based in Perth and providing skilled employment to so many and committed to offering apprenticeships to train the workforce of tomorrow.
“I was told that there are around 12,000 apprentice employers in Scotland and that over 90% of apprentice employers are small to medium sized enterprises.
“I am keen to give my support to the Scottish Apprenticeship Week campaign, which sets out to show how apprenticeships are vital to expand the nation’s workforce.”
Murdo continued: “I was recently speaking to a representative from the building trade who told of me of the discrepancy in Government support for apprentices compared to England so I was also pleased to hear today that the Scottish Government are planning on providing funding of more than £100 million to support Modern and Foundation Apprenticeships in the 2025-26 financial year. This is very much overdue.”
