OVER 100,000 people have started a Modern Apprenticeship in the past four years, according to new figures.
The target of delivering at least 25,000 MA opportunities has been surpassed for the fourth consecutive year, with today’s announcement that 25,247 were delivered in the past 12 months.
The figures also show that 80% of people were aged 16-24, and the achievement rate was 74%.
Skills Development Scotland (SDS), the organisation that leads on the delivery of MA’s, is working to increase the number of opportunities to at least 30,000 MA’s each year by 2020.
Damien Yeates, Chief Executive of SDS, said: “The delivery of more than 100,000 Modern Apprenticeships over four years demonstrates that more and more people are recognising the value of earning while you learn.
“It’s a great testament to employers in Scotland that they have sustained their investment 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.
Impact
“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.”
Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment Annabelle Ewing said: “Apprenticeships not only offer our young people better job prospects – they also have a positive impact on businesses and industry, bringing value to employers and our economy.
“Youth unemployment has reached its lowest level in seven years and we compare very well to other EU countries, but I would urge more businesses to consider how an MA could help them grow and prosper.”
