Scotland takes the double! 
Fife Council and Scottish Borders Council made it a double win for Scotland in a UK wide award for apprenticeships.
Pamela Marnie, of Fife Council was named the APSE Horticulture Apprentice of the Year whilst Gary Lothian of Scottish Borders Council won the Transport Apprentice of the Year Award.
Presenting the awards APSE Chief Executive Paul O'Brien said ’I am delighted by the success of both Fife and Scottish Borders councils in delivering apprenticeships to young people. Pamela and Gary have shown they are committed and bright young people. They will go far in their future careers.'
The winning apprentices are chosen following the submission of a detailed port folio or work as well as a rigorous panel interview. Pamela and Gary beat six finalists to take first place in each of the categories.
Nick Preston of Zoeller, sponsor of the Transport Apprentice of the Year Award said 'Despite the economic turbulence it is heartening to see that councils have continued to invest in the training and skills of young people. Gary is a deserving winner and a real credit to Scottish Borders Council.
Nicole Collomb of CABE added 'In a fast moving world the value of green space is often under rated. By investing in the skills of young people like Pamela a new generation of horticulturalists will add value to the local environment and open up learning in green skills for generations to come'.
Ends
Notes to editor:
- APSE is the Association for Public Service Excellence working with over 300 councils throughout the UK.
- APSE specialising in providing support to local authority front line local services including the building and maintenance sector.
- As part of APSE's research port folio 'The Value of Public Employment' explored the need for the public sector to maintain its status as a provider of apprenticeships and training for young people and as an employer having a positive impact upon the local economy in terms of jobs and skills.
- Apprenticeships bring about valuable skills and training opportunities particularly in the construction sector which has suffered in recent year from skills shortages. Apprenticeships have also been utilised effectively by councils to encourage female workers into the construction industry.
- To arrange for interview or for further details about the APSE building apprenticeship awards please contact Mo Baines at APSE on mbaines@apse.org.uk or telephone 0161 772 1810 or mobile 07971 843515.
