Scottish Government
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Almost 13,000 new Modern Apprenticeship places
On course to meet 25,000 target.
Almost 13,000 people have started a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) this year – more than half of the annual target number.
The figures have been published by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) who work with employers and training providers to support MA places, paying a contribution towards the costs of training.
During the first half of the financial year 12,993 people have started an MA – 52 per cent of the annual target of 25,000 new starts each year.
More than three quarters – 78 per cent – of those new starts were taken up by people aged between 16 and 24 years old providing tremendous career opportunities for those young people.
Modern Apprenticeships offer work-based learning in a range of industries and sectors including tourism, engineering, life sciences and ICT.
Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women’s Employment Angela Constance said:
“In the previous three years more than 77,000 Modern Apprenticeship places were created.
“That’s 77,000 people offered a new opportunity which support not only them, but their employer and the wider economy.
“Modern Apprenticeships form a significant part of the Scottish Government’s pledge to support youth employment and earlier this year we announced that we will increase the number of places available year on year from 25,000 to 30,000 by 2020.
“Today’s figures make for encouraging reading and show we are well on track for at least 25,000 new starts this year and show a strong foundation for our planned expansion which will support more young people and more businesses across Scotland.
“I look forward to celebrating the successes of this programme at the Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship Awards tomorrow evening.”
SDS Chief Executive Damien Yeates added:
“The number of Modern Apprenticeship places shows the commitment to the national training programme from industry and employers.
“They support Modern Apprenticeships because they benefit businesses and the economy, as well as helping young people build for the future.
“Skills Development Scotland will continue to work with partners to provide Modern Apprenticeship opportunities and widen access to national training programmes.”
Notes To Editors
Yesterday’s figures can be found at:
To promote the benefits of work-based learning Skills Development Scotland is supporting more than 250 visits by employers and Modern Apprentices into schools across the country this week.
This week has been arranged to coincide with the 13th Annual Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship Awards, which recognise and commend the achievements of individuals and employers involved in the Modern Apprenticeship programme.
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