Nearly 2,000 new construction apprentices were trained in Scotland last year, according to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

New figures have revealed CITB Scotland directly trained 1,925 new Modern Apprentices, up 35% from 1,422 apprentices in 2011 and a six-year high for the sector.

The organisation predicts over 12,000 new workers are needed for the industry in the next five years.

With up to £10,250 of CITB grant funding available to employers for every apprentice they employ, the organisation is encouraging employers to take on an apprentice for the first time.

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Stephen Sheridan, Key Sector Manager for Construction at Skills Development Scotland, said: "It's great to see the construction companies, with the support of CITB, continuing to invest in apprenticeships to develop their workforce and to ensure the sector has the right skills for the future.

"There's no better time than Scottish Apprenticeship Week to find out more about the benefits apprenticeships bring to businesses – large and small – and the head-start they can give young people in their careers that will last them a lifetime."

Ian Hughes, Strategic Partnerships Director at CITB Scotland, said: "Scottish Apprenticeship Week is the perfect platform to highlight the value of apprenticeships to construction employers and the excellent career opportunities available.

"The industry needs a skilled workforce, with thousands of new people coming into it. Employers of all sizes across the sector have a key role to play in developing the next generation of industry professionals."

(LM/MH)