Councils are being urged to recruit more female apprentices after it emerged that numbers are falling.
Figures show that fewer women are being recruited to apprenticeship roles in both Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire local authority areas.
Numbers of female apprentices on West Dunbartonshire’s books have slumped from a high of 226 in 2013/14 to 172 in 2017/18.
In Argyll and Bute, the figure has dropped from 113 to 106 in the same time
period.
Council funding from the Scottish Government has dropped by 7.5 per cent since the financial year 2013/14.
MSP Jackie Baillie has called on authorities to work to increase the figures, saying: “These figures should be a cause for concern for the SNP Government.
“It is clear that cuts to council budgets are having an impact on their ability to support apprenticeships.
“At a time of austerity, it is crucial that we are taking every step possible to ensure that job opportunities are available, especially for women and girls.
“I would urge West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Councils to do everything they can to support apprentices and encourage more women to come forward.
“It would be helpful if they could also look at additional measures they can take to ensure that apprentices can complete their courses.”
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