COUNCIL chiefs have backed a £3million modern apprenticeship investment which will bring 150 new jobs.

Councillors gave the proposals the green light at this week’s Cabinet meeting.

NAC bosses say the three year programme will continue to mark out North Ayrshire as one of Scotland’s leading authorities in promoting and creating MA jobs for young people.

The council have also pledged to continue supporting careexperienced young people – they helped five care-experienced young people into work via MAs in 2017-18 – and will now also look at helping young disabled residents into apprenticeships.

The announcement on Tuesday comes just weeks after the council signed their first-ever Apprenticeship Charter - a string of commitments agreed with Trade Unions that will shape council apprenticeships and guide managers to ensure young people are supported throughout.

Council Leader Joe Cullinane said: “We are delighted to again be showing our support and commitment to North Ayrshire’s young people.

“This is another major investment in the area’s future. A Modern Apprenticeship is a great opportunity for young people to learn new skills and to gain invaluable experience. We can’t stress just how much of an impact a Modern Apprenticeship can have on a young person’s life. It can be the start of a long and prosperous career either within the council or elsewhere using the skills they learned here.

“We are proud to be supporting careexperienced young people. To see them come into the council and thrive and grow as people is something really humbling and special to everyone involved in their development.”