On Wednesday 6th March, Midlothian North and Musselburgh MSP Colin Beattie visited McSence Group in Mayfield to meet Modern Apprentices in Health and Social Care. Mr Beattie’s visit was timed to coincide with Scottish Apprenticeship Week (4-8th March). The theme of this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week is ‘Skills for the Future’, recognising the importance of investing in Scotland’s workforce.
Throughout the week Skills Development Scotland co-ordinates a large programme of events and visits across Scotland, highlighting the benefits apprenticeships and work-based learning can offer individuals, businesses and the economy, and celebrating the achievements of individual apprentices and all those who contribute to their success. The 2018 Scottish Apprenticeship Week saw over 100 visits by MSPs to apprenticeship employers and training providers across the country. Mr Beattie commented: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic way to celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the value they bring to employers. “The apprentices I met at McSence are clearly gaining valuable skills that will serve them well in the years ahead. “I wish them, and apprentices throughout Scotland, the best of future success and I look forward to watching their progress.” Skills Development Scotland Chief Executive Damien Yeates said: “Work-based learning is providing the skills needed for a successful Scotland. “The theme for this year is ‘Skills for the Future’ which recognises the importance of investing in our workforce. “We want more people and businesses across Scotland to benefit from the growing number of opportunities available in different sectors and workplaces.” Left to right: Martha (McSence Team Leader); Grant McDougall (Skills Development Scotland); Colin Beattie MSP; Amy (MA); Kelly Ireland (trainer and IV); Katryn (MA); Alan Paterson (McSence manager).
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SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie has praised hard working staff at NHS Lothian after the latest statistics showed increased staffing levels across Scotland - helping give patients the best possible care.
Midlothian and East Lothian are benefitting from an increase in the numbers of staff working for NHS Lothian – part of a Scotland-wide increase that has seen the NHS workforce reach record levels in 2018. NHS Lothian had its full-time equivalent staff levels increase from 20,656.4 to 20,858.9 – a rise of 1%. Thanks to the SNP’s 2019/20 budget, NHS Lothian is set to receive an extra £57.2 million in spending power – a 4.1% increase on last year’s spending. Commenting, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie: “Staff are the lifeblood of our NHS here in Midlothian and East Lothian – and it is welcome news there are record numbers working in our hospitals and surgeries across Scotland. “NHS Lothian will now benefit from having even more dedicated and highly skilled staff in our hospitals and surgeries – ensuring people in Midlothian and East Lothian receive the world-class care that they have come to expect from our NHS. “As a cherished public service the SNP will continue to ensure our health service is properly funded and fit for the future.” SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie, has called on Midlothian and East Lothian Council to make the most of its funding allocation from the Scottish Government’s £50 million Town Centre Fund.
Announced by SNP Finance Secretary Derek Mackay during his budget statement, the new fund aims to drive local economic growth by helping town centres fund projects such as re-purposing buildings for retail, business and community enterprise, while improving access and infrastructure. After allocations were announced this week by the Scottish Government, it has now been confirmed that that Midlothian will receive a share of £910,000 and East Lothian will receive a share of £1,275,000 from the new ring-fenced fund. Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “This funding announcement can help transform town centres in Midlothian and East Lothian. “The health of our town centres is vital to the economic and cultural life of our communities – and this new investment can make a real difference. “Midlothian must now ensure that the £910,000 and East Lothian must now ensure that the £1,275,000 is spent wisely and ensure our local town centres reap the benefits of this huge investment. “The SNP’s Town Centre Fund is part of a wider package of business support measures that will help drive economic activity in Midlothian and East Lothian, helping give our local high streets a welcome boost.” |
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