Statistics released by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) have shown that there were over 2,000 apprenticeships under the initiative during the course of 2014. If the management of SDS want to help recruit even more people, they could use brochure printers in nearby areas such as Coatbridge to promote the policy. Hazel Mathieson, the Head of Region for SDS, has told Cumbernauld Media:
“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.”
Ms. Mathieson has pointed out there are in excess of 25,000 places in the scheme on a countrywide basis. She has also indicated that the project enables apprentices to learn and earn simultaneously.
About a tenth of the local working population aged 16 to 24 have been apprentices in the time period in question. They have had the opportunity to pick up skills relevant to the requirements of the economy of the area governed by the local authority.
Other statistics have highlighted the point that the Scottish government has narrowly beaten its own apprentice-related target. This was set at 100,000 apprenticeships over a period of four years; the scheme has gone beyond this total by approximately 1,000 people.