Alex Salmond's £1m for 'low carbon' trainees

Details of up to 500 modern apprenticeships in the energy and "low carbon" industries have been unveiled.

First Minister Alex Salmond announced that 1 million will be available for the places over the next year, after a decision to increase the number in the Scottish budget earlier this month.

Mr Salmond, who was visiting employees of Scotland Gas Networks and Scottish & Southern Energy yesterday, said: "Across all industries, it is vital that we continue to produce the skills and expertise that will support long-term, sustainable employment and economic growth.

"We are providing, through Skills Development Scotland, a record 25,000 modern apprenticeship starts across Scotland in 2011-12, and 46,500 training opportunities overall."

Finance secretary John Swinney announced plans in his budget to increase the number of apprentices.

He found money to provide 1,500 places for 2011-12 following pressure from Labour MSP John Park.