Over 800 apprentices have been made redundant as employers struggle to cope with the recession.

Statistics from Skills Development Scotland showed that from March 23 this year a total of 833 people on the Modern Apprentices programme had lost their jobs.

Of those 261 have found alternative employment or training, while 439 are seeking this and 133 people have left the programme.

Construction Skills Scotland intends to transfer apprentices to other construction sectors such as highways maintenance and land drilling which have been less affected by the downturn.

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Director Graeme Ogilvy said: "Up until now we didn't have a framework for the civils and specialists so now we have a framework. That's why we want to push that sector."

Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray called on the Scottish Government to set up a dedicated helpline to assist apprentices who have lost their job.

"In the face of the economic crisis, young men and women are being made redundant, losing not just their jobs but their chance of a trade," he said.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said apprentices facing redundancy can receive advice and support by contacting the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) helpline on 0808 100 1855.

(GK/BMcC)