The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Ringlink proposes mentors’ funding
Farmers who are willing to be mentors to industry trainees could enjoy funding in future if a proposal by Ringlink Scotland is backed by government.
The Laurencekirk-based co-operative, which has almost 3,000 members and operates Scotland’s preapprenticeship pilot programme, has struggled to find enough mentors to meet demand from potential trainees and has called on the Scottish Government to support their plans.
Managing director Graham Bruce told the co-op’s online annual meeting that he was optimistic government would support the continuation of the preapprenticeship scheme which is nearing the end of a three-year pilot.
He said: “There are quite a few of our members who don’t employ anyone and would be ideal mentors for
youngsters, but their business can’t justify taking anyone on.
“If we get a bit of funding we feel it would open up more opportunities for youngsters. We’re waiting for feedback.”
In his annual report, Ringlink chairman James Porter said 2021 was the most difficult year to date in sourcing sufficient mentors to offer placements to all trainees.
He warned: “Covid-19
played its part in this as did the geographic spread of the youngsters but that said, if our industry wants to compete with other industries and attract the future workforce it requires, it needs to be more willing to provide placements.
“Our sector is one of the most resilient and adaptable I know, and if we continue to co-operate, collaborate and invest in our business then we will come through this crisis together.”
Meanwhile, Ringlink’s training manager, Peter Wood, told the meeting the business was exploring the possibility of using simulators to deliver training in order to address the diverse nature of clients and the industries in which the business now operates.
“They (simulators) offer a dynamic training opportunity where the environment remains constant with little or no distraction, novice operators are provided with the confidence there is no chance of damage to machinery, and the cost of operation is significantly less than a conventional machine. It’s clearly environmentally friendly with an exceedingly low carbon footprint.
“Simulator training also combines well with our existing pre-apprenticeship model as we can offer introductory training to our future workforce.”