The number of apprenticeships in Dundee has more than doubled in the past two years, new figures have shown.
Skills Development Scotland figures show the number of apprenticeships in the city increased from 431 in 2007-8 to 975 in 2009-10.
Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick said the 126% increase demonstrated the SNP government’s commitment to delivering apprenticeships.
Mr FitzPatrick said it also illustrated Labour’s failure to deliver, pointing out that the number had doubled during the SNP’s governance.
He said, “This is great news for Dundee and shows that the SNP are fully committed to helping people find work. The SNP have delivered not just more apprenticeships but apprenticeships that are focused on jobs for adults and young people.
“Labour’s record on apprenticeships was one of fewer and fewer places each and every year for young people and adults. Under the SNP that trend has been reversed even through the recession. We have returned and refocused apprenticeships to a level that allows young people and adults to get the training they need.
“The SNP’s innovative actions during the recession, supporting employers and investing in apprentices, have helped people gain skills and learn a trade even when times have been tough for businesses.”
Nationally, the number of apprenticeships has increased by 20% from 16,930 in 2007-8 to 20,218 in 2009-10.
Skills minister Keith Brown said, “This government has an absolute commitment to supporting a strong economic recovery, coupled with the longer-term aim of sustainable economic growth.
“This year we are providing almost 40,000 work-focused training opportunities, including 5000 new flexible places to specifically meet the needs of our employers and businesses,” he said.
“We are out of recession but the recovery remains fragile, which is why we continue to prioritise investment in a range of skills and training opportunities to support people into jobs, to develop in those jobs and ensure we have a workforce fit for purpose.”