AT least 28,000 new apprentices will be trained next year, with increased support for rural areas.

The target for 2018/19 was announced by Jamie Hepburn, minister for employability and training yesterday in a Holyrood debate on the Scottish Government’s strategy on youth employment.

Hepburn also confirmed changes to the rural supplement and increased funding for apprenticeships in key sectors. The revised model, to be introduced in April, aims to mitigate against the cost of service delivery in rural locations and provide additional support for training costs in key areas, such as social services.

“Over the last year we have seen tremendous progress against our targets, hitting our headline objective of reducing youth unemployment by 40 per cent, four years ahead of schedule.

“Despite this success, it is vital we continue to develop Scotland’s young workforce to meet the emerging needs and opportunities of our employers and economy.

“That is why we are expanding the number of Modern Apprenticeship places available to 28,000 next year, meaning even more people can access a wide variety of vocational skills and training.”

Hepburn added: “In 2008, we were determined to ensure this generation of young people had a bright future to look forward to. The actions we have taken, the investment we are making, and the focus we continue to apply mean that more young people are in work and have the skills and training they need to succeed in life.”