McLeod welcomes increase in apprenticeship opportunities
SNP MSP for the South of Scotland Dr Aileen McLeod has welcomed figures released by Skills Development Scotland show that 5000 people have already been helped into a job through a Modern Apprenticeship in 2013/14.
This means that 500 more opportunities have been created compared to the same time last year and demonstrate that the Scottish Government’s target of at least 25,000 new Modern Apprenticeships every year is well on course to be met.
Figures for Dumfries & Galloway show that of the 5000 helped into a job across Scotland, 186 new starts were in Dumfries & Galloway and that nearly 1125 people are currently on the Modern Apprenticeships Programme in the region.
Dr McLeod commented:
“These new figures show that the Scottish Government is working hard to boost the numbers of Modern Apprentices beyond the high targets which they set, of 25,000 new starts on the programme each year.
“Modern Apprenticeships are a key part of the training options available for our young people and an important way of tackling the problem of youth unemployment in the region.
“The quality and suitability of Modern Apprenticeships is also on the rise across Scotland with a successful achievement rate of 74% compared to 69% for the same period last year.
“This is a clear indication that both employers and prospective young employees see the value of the programme as it helps young people into jobs and locates a keen, enthusiastic new workforce for Scotland’s employers.”
Notes to Editors: Skill Development Scotland figures can be found here:
13.09.05-McLeod-welcomes-increase-in-apprenticeship-opportunities.doc
