Scotland iS well on course to exceed its annual target of 25,000 new Modern Apprenticeships this year.
By the end of the third quarter of 2014/15 there were 19,517 MA starts, around 78% of the annual target, and a 2% increase on the same point last year.
The figures also show 53% of starts were aged 16 to 19 and 65% starts were at level three or above, 2% higher than a year ago.
Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training Roseanna Cunningham said: “The Scottish Government remains committed to our Modern Apprenticeship programme, and today’s figures are evidence that we are creating more opportunities each year, strongly suggesting that our annual target of 25,000 will again be exceeded.
“In the last four years we have created almost 100,000 new opportunities, and by 2020 will create 30,000 new MAs each year.
“For us to continue to support more young women and men into jobs, we need to keep encouraging more employers to consider taking a young person on in an MA position.”
Youth unemployment was being tackled by implementing the recommendations from the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce.
She said this will see closer working between business, colleges and local authorities to help grow the economy and ensure young people are ready for work when the time comes.
Damien Yeates, Skills Development Scotland chief executive, added: “Employers see the real benefits of investing in training both by taking on Modern Apprentices and by giving existing staff Modern Apprenticeship opportunities.
“We are working with partners in industry, local authorities and education to develop the apprenticeship offer to include Foundation Apprenticeships in schools.”