Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay’s call for the school leaving age to be lowered has met a hostile response from one trade group.

The Plumbing and Heating Federation (SNIPEF) said Mr Findlay’s proposal to allow pupils to leave school at 14 for apprenticeships or college places, is “reckless, unworkable and deeply irresponsible” for industries that rely on safety-critical apprenticeships.

Mr Findlay said this week that young people who find that school does not work for them should be allowed to follow an alternative route that would involve work-based training.

However, Fiona Hodgson, chief executive of SNIPEF, said: “Allowing children to leave school at 14 and enter apprenticeships is not just unrealistic, it’s irresponsible. Our industry operates under strict safety regulations, and we cannot fathom how a child of that age could legally or safely take on the demands of plumbing and heating work.

“Even at 16, securing accommodation and appropriate support for apprentices is a significant challenge, particularly in rural and island communities where many must travel to the mainland for college. 

“The insurance and liability issues alone make this a non-starter.”

The Federation also raised serious concerns about the academic implications of the proposal, questioning whether pupils would have the necessary foundational skills before leaving school

“Our profession requires a solid grounding in maths, science and literacy; these are non-negotiable for everything from heat loss calculations to system design,” said Ms Hodgson.

Mr Findlay told a think tank on Wednesday: “It is about guiding each individual onto the path best suited to their aspirations.

“It is about giving young people an opportunity to continue in a form of hybrid education that is better suited to their talents.”

He said that when they leave school at 15, or even 14, they would be required to stay in education – but in a form of education that works for them.

“A fast track to opportunity, whether college or an apprenticeship. By developing our proposal hand in hand with businesses, we could make Scotland’s economy fit for the future.”

Law firm hires apprentices

Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm, has launched its new Business Services Apprenticeship Programme in the firm’s Scottish offices, commencing in September 2025.

The initiative follows the success of Dentons’ Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme in London and Milton Keynes and underscores the firm’s commitment to increasing access to careers in the legal industry.

The programme will initially welcome two apprentices, with plans to expand in future years. One Apprentice will join the Glasgow Finance team and the other will join the Innovation team in either the firm’s Glasgow or Edinburgh office.

Over the course of four years, these apprentices will integrate academic learning with real-world professional experience, as they work towards completing their degrees in relevant disciplines.