Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 20 June 2000 For Use: Immediately

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Technical Services DSO is to employ eight additional apprentices, the Policy and Resources Committee agreed today.

The DSO currently employs 18 apprentices (9 joiners, 1 plumber, 3 electricians, 4 painters and 1 mechanic). There will now be an additional 3 Joiners, one each in Lewis, Harris and Barra, 3 Mechanics, one each in Lewis, Harris and Uist, 1 Painter in Uist and 1 Plumber in Uist.

The Chairman ofthe Comhairle's Policy and Resources Committee, Mr Roddy Murray, said today:

"This is good news for the Western Isles. At what is a difficult time economically it is a real pleasure to be able to offer young people training and employment in practical skills which will enable them to live and work in the Islands. The DSO's Apprenticeship Scheme is a success story and one that we can be justifiably proud of."

The DSO has been employing apprentices since the introduction of the Apprentice Training Scheme in 1993. This has given young people the opportunity to be highly trained in the career of their choice while remaining in the islands. Approximately 30 individuals have benefited from the scheme.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer