Glasgow MSP Bob Doris has hailed new figures from Skills Development Scotland which reveal that the SNP is reversing the downward trend in apprenticeship places seen under the previous Liberal/ Labour coalition.

Mr Doris said: “The SNP Government is delivering 20% more apprenticeships this year than Labour did in their final year in office, putting to rest once and for all Labour's claims about SNP commitment to apprenticeships.

“The increase means that there will be over 20,000 apprenticeships this year, including 2638 in Glasgow. Whilst Labour presided over a 20% drop in their last term at Holyrood, the SNP has increased the number by 20% since taking office in 2007.

“Considering the difficult economic circumstances, this achievement is remarkable. The SNP Government is committed to providing more places by supporting employers to develop the skills base for economic recovery and growth.

“Glasgow will finally recover from these difficult years and the investment in apprenticeships by this SNP Government will pay dividends."

Note:

Parliamentary answers detailing the cut in apprenticeships under Labour can be found here.  Labour were responsible for setting apprenticeship numbers up to and including 2007/08