Apprenticeship scheme for teenagers who are still in school to be expanded

A ground-breaking scheme that allows teenagers to do apprenticeships while still at school is set for a massive expansion, Education Secretary John Swinney has announced.

A total of 350 youngsters started on Foundation Apprenticeships in 2016, but Mr Swinney said the Scottish Government is to up that to 5,000 by the end of 2019.

The Deputy First Minister announced the move as he addressed the SNP spring conference in Aberdeen, adding that it would help ensure all young people have equal chances and choices to succeed at school and to succeed in life''.

Foundation Apprenticeships allow school students to combine academic studies with work-based learning.

Mr Swinney said: They are the chance to get a head start on a career by gaining industry-recognised qualifications, working on real projects and gaining the experience every employer looks for.''

He added: So far, this innovative approach has been small scale while this ground-breaking programme was developed. 350 Foundation Apprenticeships were started in 2016.

We will now massively expand that number.

By the end of 2019, 5,000 new start Foundation Apprenticeships will be available in Scotland's schools, raising the attainment bar in vocational education and giving all our young people equal chances and choices to succeed at school and to succeed in life.''