The Highland Council is to establish a new company to help apprentices find work.

The scheme will bring together a number of apprentices that could then by hired by local construction companies.

The scheme, which is to be called the Highland Shared Apprentice Scheme Ltd., will be administered by CITB Construction Skills.

The initiative could provide work for up to 20 apprentices each year, with the council hoping that the new system will reverse the decline in apprenticeships in the private sector.

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Between 2008 and 2012, Committee Chairman Dave Fallows said 192 apprentices had lost their jobs in the Highlands.

He added: "Currently, the Council is the largest single procurer of construction services in the area. Contractors are very nervous of committing to employing apprentices in the current fragile state of the construction market.

"This proposal brings contractors together to create a range of flexible placements, allowing the apprentice to work for more than one contractor, enabling the young person to receive current training and experience over the length of their apprenticeship.

"The risk element of continuously employing the apprentice is taken away from the contractor."

(JP/CD)