Fife Council has welcomed a total of 20 young apprentices that have recently joined the authority.

The individuals started their four-year apprenticeship with the Council's Building Services in July.

The positions vary from electricians and joiners, to plasterers, plumbers and stonemasons.

Since 1996, Fife Council has trained more than 420 apprentices, while another 101 are currently in training. This year alone, there were some 1,200 applications for the roles.

Fife Council apprentices have won eight Scottish and four national APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) awards and the programme has an achievement record with 100% attainment over the past 10 years. This compares to the national average of around 70%, the local authority has said.


Councillor Judy Hamilton, Executive spokesperson for Housing and Building Services, commented: "I was very pleased to meet the Building Services apprentices as they start on their new careers. I am delighted that we are once again offering craft apprenticeships to young people.

"This is a great opportunity for them to gain a trade with recognised qualifications, they will also be able to secure a future for themselves and contribute fully to the Fife community."

"This shows Fife Council's commitment to maintaining a skilled workforce; and contributing to a positive future for these young people," she added.

Jim Leishman, Provost of Fife, added: "These young people have already demonstrated a high level of commitment and skill to achieve their place as apprentices and I am sure they will continue this over the next four years as they learn and develop their skills."

(JP/MH)