A TEXTILES business in the Scottish Borders has been praised for supporting local young people into work and planning for the future.

Johnstons of Elgin, which has a site in Hawick, has been named Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Youth Employer of the Month.

The company currently has 27 Modern Apprentices, following the graduation of 28 in 2013.

With a significant shortfall in staff over the next few years, Johnstons, in partnership with several other local textile businesses, industry bodies, Scottish Enterprise (SE) and Skills Development Scotland have set up the Borders Textile Training Group.

The group aims to overcome succession planning challenges by changing young people’s perception of the textiles industry, forging stronger links with local schools and offering Modern Apprenticeships through their companies.

Chief Executive of Johnstons of Elgin, Simon Cotton, said: “We are absolutely delighted and very proud to be recognised as Youth Employer of the Month.

“Initiatives such as the schools interaction programme give students the opportunity to engage directly with our business which in turn encourages a higher proportion of young people to come into the textile industry.

“We will shortly be opening our own training centre in Hawick.Through Modern Apprenticeship training we will actively be seeking individuals from the local communities to come to Johnstons of Elgin to not only get a job, but the opportunity to establish a career which is beneficial to the company and the industry as a whole.” SDS Relationship Accounts Executive, Vicki MacLean, added: “Johnstons has shown a committment to enhancing local school leavers’ employability skills and increasing engagement in the Modern Apprenticeship programme.

“They are a great example of a business which realised it had an aging workforce and took steps to reach out to young people and encourage them to consider a career in the textiles industry.” Chairman of SDS, John McClelland CBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone at Johnstons of Elgin for being recognised with this award and their admirable commitment to supporting young people into employment.

“Succession planning is something all employers must consider and take action to ensure that they have the right people in place to take their business into the future.”