Local MSP Brian Whittle has challenged the Scottish Government to back Ayrshire’s engineering sector during a debate at Holyrood.
Brian Whittle MSP was speaking during a Members Debate on a report from Scottish Engineering about the challenges faced by businesses looking to recruit new workers. According to the report, there’s a growing gap between the number of engineers businesses want to hire and the number that are being trained.
Brian argued that much of the problem is because Ayrshire college, and others like it across the country, have seen their budgets cut by nearly 20% in recent years. That means instead of being able to invest in more engineering places, they’re having to find savings to balance the books.
With businesses around Prestwick Airport expected to need at least 1500 new skilled workers in the coming years, as well as sub-sea cable manufacturer XLCC at Hunterston, Brian believes as many as 5000 new jobs could be created. During the debate, Scottish Conservative MSP Brian challenged the Scottish Government to recognise the huge economic opportunity that could come from ensuring these businesses have the workforce they need to grow, arguing that extra funds should be made available to support the college and deliver more apprentices.
Speaking after the debate, Brian Whittle MSP said:
“Ayrshire has so many fantastic engineering businesses and many of them are desperate to invest in their facilities and grow. But when you speak to any of them, the same issue comes up every time – there aren’t enough trained workers to meet their needs. Apprenticeships, and the training that Ayrshire College can offer, are the answer to this puzzle, but instead of helping them to deliver, the Scottish Government are making it harder for the college by cutting their budget.
"Budgets always come with tough choices but cutting college budgets isn’t a tough choice, it’s a non-sensical one. If the UK and Scottish Governments are serious about economic growth, they should start by supporting colleges and Ayrshire’s engineering businesses to grow.”
See Brian speak in the debate here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Q366bMMPb/
