Scottish employers urged to take on apprentices

22 May 2012

The Apprenticeship week aims to show young people they can "earn while they learn". Employers are being urged to take on an apprentice this year to help boost their business.

The Scottish government is promoting its guarantee of a place in training or education to all 16 to 19-year-olds as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

More than 12,000 employers have already signed up to its modern Apprenticeship programme.

Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance said the scheme could help improve Scotland's economic future.

Ms Constance said: "Scottish Apprenticeship Week is designed to highlight modern Apprenticeships and show young people they can earn while they learn, as well as getting a foot on the career ladder of their choice.

"The modern Apprenticeship scheme also gives Scotland's employers a structured and supported way to boost their business by taking on a young trainee, and can play a key role in improving our economic future by helping businesses and young people alike."

Skills Development Scotland chairman John McClelland said: "It has never been more important for businesses across Scotland to grow and develop a skilled workforce."