More than 4000 new apprenticeship opportunities this year will help boost Scotland’s economy and give young people a head-start in their careers.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is supporting around 3200 Foundation Apprenticeships for pupils and more than 900 Graduate Apprenticeships in 2018.

SDS already works with industry and employers, supporting more than 26,000 Modern Apprenticeships last year, set to rise to 30,000 per year by 2020.

The new Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeships are backed by employers, universities, colleges and schools across the country.

SDS Chief Executive Damien Yeates said work-based learning and apprenticeships are vital for Scotland’s future prosperity. 

He said: “Scotland has great ambitions to increase productivity and generate inclusive growth, all against the backdrop of an ageing population, rapid technological change and real pressure on public spending.

“This means finding new and innovative ways, such as Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeships, to match the skills people develop with the ones employers need. 

“Apprenticeships are a vital piece of the jigsaw to improve Scotland’s productivity, which will benefit individuals, employers and the wider economy.”

Paul Campbell, Organisational Learning and Development Lead at Scottish Water, said: “Scottish Water have a broad range of apprenticeship programmes which have a high currency in our business. 

“Many of our leaders have themselves been former apprentices, and there is a great deal of value placed on the development of our people so they fully understand the nature of our business, have the technical skills to perform safely and effectively, and understand the vital role that Scottish Water play within our communities and society. 

“SDS’s full family of apprenticeships give more flexibility and choice than ever before, providing pathways to enter into skills development at different points and at different stages of life.”

Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeships have been developed by SDS, in partnership with employers, universities and colleges with support from the European Social Fund.