Employers in Scotland have taken on 29,035 people on a Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship in the last year year.
Four out of 10 of those were in science, technology, engineering or maths related job roles, according to Skills Development Scotland who administer funds for apprenticeships.
Three quarters were in higher level apprenticeships and the number of women taking up apprenticeship jobs also increased in the year to the end of March.
Business, Fair Work and Skills Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “These are encouraging figures, and I’m pleased that more than 29,000 people started apprenticeships last year, enabling them to access high-quality training while employed.
“However, the figures only cover the very start of the lockdown measures and don’t capture the huge uncertainty and anxiety that many people including apprentices will be feeling as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.
“We firmly believe that apprenticeships are an essential way to help people begin or progress their careers, while enabling employers to invest in their workforce and provide the skills that we need both now and in the future.
“They will be even more important as we enter the recovery phase and supporting Scotland’s apprenticeship family through the pandemic is one of my key priorities.”
Skills Development Scotland chair Frank Mitchell said: “While Scottish employers continued to support the growth in apprenticeship opportunities over the past year, we are of course facing into a very different economic landscape due to Covid-19.
“Throughout the pandemic, SDS has worked with Scottish Government, training providers, employers and other partners to understand the impact on apprenticeships and provide support measures.
“We can’t overstate the scale of the challenge faced by business and employers across Scotland. Any employer of an apprentice who needs help or guidance can contact SDS on 0800 783 6000.
“SDS continues to work with Scottish Government and the Enterprise & Skills Strategic Board with a focus on supporting apprenticeships during these unprecedented times.
“As we move towards economic recovery, reskilling, retaining and lifelong learning through work-based learning and apprenticeships will have a crucial role to play.”
