Young people and businesses in North Ayrshire have been benefiting from Modern Apprenticeships over the past year Figures from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) show that there were 889 Modern Apprenticeships in North Ayrshire last year.

Also 11 per cent of the 16 to 24-year-olds in employment in the local authority area are Modern Apprentices.

The figures show that there have been 101,000 new Modern Apprenticeship places in Scotland during the past four years, surpassing the Scottish Government target of 25,000 each year.

SDS Head of Region for North Ayrshire, Hazel Mathieson, said: “Last year there were more almost 900 new apprenticeship places in North Ayrshire and more than 25,000 across the country.

“It’s a great testament to employers that they have continued to invest in Modern Apprenticeship opportunities right through the economic downturn.

“It’s also a great credit to the Modern Apprentices that so many have successfully completed or are on their way to completing their apprenticeship.

“The enduring appeal of Modern Apprenticeships is that they are driven by employer demand and for the individual they allow the apprentices to get a job and learn while they earn.

“Modern Apprenticeships provide young people with opportunities and support the local economy by anchoring skills and jobs in North Ayrshire.” Kenneth Gibson MSP for Cunninghame North said: “Since the SNP came to office we have increased the number of apprenticeships from 15,000 to 25,000 a year and with a much higher proportion of young women than ever before.

“Skills are the key to individual and national prosperity and what differentiates a Scottish apprenticeship from one south of the border is that ours are attached to a job.

“The SNP Government, NAC and Skills Development Scotland are working hard to ensure even more if our young people get the apprenticeships they need and deserve.” Businesses can find out more about support for hiring Modern Apprentices at www.ourskillsforce.co.uk