The Scottish Government has today announced  additional support for its apprenticeship programme by providing  an incentive of £2000  to encourage small and medium businesses to recruit or 'Adopt An Apprentice.'

Through Scotaction the Scottish Government has made funds available for an additional 7,800 new apprentices and a further £6 million has been made available for a further 1,000 apprentices in Glasgow to help support the Commonwealth Games Legacy.

This new funding coincides with ScotAction program which is providing  new and improved measures to help individuals and businesses survive through the recession by targeting and investing in skills assistance for businesses and individuals.

The  'Adopt An Apprentice' framework will not only teach apprentices a new trade, but will lend a hand to small business in need of assistance, help individuals foster lifelong skills and support the growth key economic sectors in Scotland. Apprentices will be sought in several modern and key industries including science, energy, and the creative and business sectors.

Commenting on the announcement Sandra White MSP for the Glasgow Region said: "This announcement is important to the economic health and wealth of Glasgow and all of Scotland. By investing in our people, key trades and businesses in this way we are committed to doing everything to ensure a lasting economic recovery"

"It is crucial at this time for Glasgow's people and small businesses to have these apprenticeship opportunities to further reinforce development, nurture solid futures within key industries and help create a lasting Commonwealth Games legacy."