A member of the Scottish Parliament co-convenor told the Scottish construction industry it has a "crucially important" role to play in providing apprenticeships.

John Park, of the cross party group on skills, was speaking at Edinburgh Castle during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, at an event launching an apprenticeship competition.

The event was hosted by the Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council.

A spokesman said the competition, which is looking for apprentices in traditional craft trades including joinery and bricklaying, would "celebrate the talent, hard work and dedication of Scotland's construction apprentices".

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Mr Park said: "In terms of delivering high quality apprenticeship opportunities in large numbers, the construction industry has a crucially important role to play."

Nigel Don MSP, who chairs the Scottish Parliament's cross party group on construction, encouraged construction employers to put forward the name of anyone who demonstrates the skills and commitment to be Apprentice of the Year in 2012.

He said: "In the current economic climate, it’s important we recognise the steps the Scottish Government have taken to increase the number of apprenticeships available to a record high, and the crucial contribution construction industry employers to make in employing large numbers of apprentices at a time when many are facing tough trading conditions."

Nominations close in September. There are three categories: Apprentice of the Year, Adult Apprentice of the Year, and Civil Apprentice of the Year, a category launched last year to recognise excellence in civil engineering.

Last year's winner, Kenny McAllister, said the title had given him "even more pride" in his work as a trainee plasterer.

(NE/GK)