Minister urges growth in apprentices

Employers are being urged to take on an apprentice this year to help boost their businesses.

The Scottish Government is promoting its guarantee of a place in training or education to all 16- to 19-year-olds as part of “modern apprenticeship week”.

Youth employment minister Angela Constance said: “The modern apprenticeship scheme gives Scotland’s employers a structured and supported way to boost their business By taking on a young trainee [they] can play a key role in improving our economic future.”

She later met three young apprentices at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh to find more about their careers in horticulture.

Ms Constance and coalition colleagues will take part in a series of events this week to raise awareness of the scheme.