Falkirk West SNP MSP Michael Matheson has welcomed new figures showing an increase in the number of Modern Apprenticeships in Falkirk as the SNP in government exceeds its overall target for the 5th year in a row.

The figures published this week show that the number of Modern Apprenticeships in training in Falkirk has grown from 899 to 918, as the national figure for apprentices has increased to 25,818.

The SNP in government has committed to boosting the number of Modern Apprentices across Scotland to 30,000 by 2020.

Commenting, Mr Matheson said:

“Modern Apprentices make a real contribution to the local and national economy – offering our young people better career prospects and having a positive impact on the businesses and industries which take them on.

“That is why I’m so pleased that the number of young people in Falkirk district benefitting from these excellent opportunities has grown over the last year, and that the SNP Government has exceeded the national target for apprentices for the fifth year in a row.

“But there is clearly more work to do and the SNP in government is committed to increasing opportunities for our young people by boosting the number of Modern Apprenticeships to 30,000 across Scotland by 2020. And I’m looking forward to even more people across the Falkirk area benefiting from this type of opportunity.”