Roads maintenance firm Amey has announced it is to take on at least 120 new apprentices over the next two years.

The announcement comes as as Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2014 commences, and follows on from a separate announcement last month where the Scottish Government aims to increase its annual target for new modern apprenticeships (MAs) from 25,000 a year, to 30,000 by 2020.

Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women's Employment, Angela Constance, welcomed the news saying: "I am very pleased indeed to see that Amey are committed to helping Scotland's enthusiastic young workforce maximise their potential by taking on such a large number of new Modern Apprentices (MAs) over the next few years.

"Companies like Amey are vital to Scotland's infrastructure and economy and these new MAs will find themselves right at the heart of a number of projects that are key to Scotland's future growth.

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"I am confident that this week will see a number of employers exploring the value that MAs could bring to their company and that we will raise awareness among young people that an MA is a well-recognised qualification that will equip them with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace."

Valerie Hughes-D'Aeth, Amey Group HR and Communications Director, added: "In order to grow our highly skilled workforce it is important that we continue to identify and bring new talent into the industry.

"Offering apprenticeships is a great way to do this, as it helps to build transferable skills which are essential for career progression. As a business we are committed to developing our employees and their skills, which helps in delivering a high quality service for our clients."

Skills Development Scotland Chief Executive, Damien Yeates, commented: "Scottish Apprenticeship Week highlights the commitment of businesses, such as Amey, that invest in the skills of their workforce.

"The week also shows the successes of apprentices who have chosen to develop their careers by learning while working, to gain nationally recognised qualifications.

"Modern Apprenticeships are good for business, good for individuals and good for the Scottish economy. It's never been more important to invest in skills for the future through work-based learning."

(JP/MH)