More than 1,900 new industry apprentices were trained in Scotland last year, according to new figures from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

A total of 1,938 new recruits were trained by CITB Scotland in 2017, a 36% rise compared with 2011 (1,422).

Currently, nearly 5,000 apprentices are in training, a 7% rise on 2016 figures.

The figures have been unveiled as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week (05 – 09 March) and employers are being encouraged to consider taking on an apprentice for the first time, or to add to their current workforce, to help continue the upward trend.

With applications to become a CITB Scotland apprentice for 2018 already sitting at over 3,000, up to £10,250 of CITB grant funding is also available to levy paying employers for every apprentice they employ.

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Welcoming the figures, Minister for Employability and Training, Jamie Hepburn, said: "Apprenticeships are life changing opportunities – providing the chance, not only to work and earn, but also to achieve an industry recognised qualification to support future career ambitions and I am delighted to see apprenticeships grow in the construction sector for the seventh consecutive year."

Ian Hughes, Partnerships Director at CITB Scotland, said: "Scottish Apprenticeship Week is the perfect platform to highlight the benefits apprenticeships provide to employers of all sizes.

"We already have thousands of people on our books looking to take up an apprenticeship in the coming year. Whilst there is a very strong culture amongst employers to train apprentices, it is vital additional employers from across Scotland come forward to recruit these applicants. As an industry we are very keen to invest in the right people to maintain and enhance the skills our industry requires.

"I encourage all employers who are interested, or require more information, to get in touch with our very experienced apprenticeships team.

"The Scottish construction industry needs a skilled workforce to help build the homes and infrastructure we need, and an apprenticeship offers the perfect first step on the path to a rewarding career."

(LM/MH)