Apprenticeship matchmaking tool aims to close Scotland’s skills gap

A new platform designed to simplify recruitment and support job seekers looking for apprenticeships and graduate roles could help to address challenges of finding talent and encourage more young people into Scotland’s manufacturing and engineering sector.

 The Manufacturing Skills Academy at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), operated by the University of Strathclyde and part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, is working with Skills Development Scotland to explore the feasibility of a ‘Pre-Approved Talent’ scheme – based on similar principles to the university clearing system – to streamline recruitment processes.

 The initiative is supported with funding through the Scottish Government’s ‘Making Scotland’s Future’ programme. Its launch coincided with Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2024, which took place from 4 to 8 March.