Apprenticeships cut short by recession

15:30 15th April 2009

Several hundred apprenticeships in Scotland have been cut short by employers in response to the continuing pressures of the recession, according to new figures.

Research from Skills Development Scotland reveals that 700 construction apprentices have had their training prematurely ended, although the organisation is working to transfer them to more secure positions, reports the BBC.

Over 830 apprenticeships have ended, with nearly 440 still looking for alternative placements, while 133 individuals have moved onto other things.

Iain Gray, Labour leader in the Scottish government, told the BBC: "In the face of the economic crisis, young men and women are being made redundant, losing not just their jobs but their chance of a trade."

Peter Hughes, chief executive of Scottish Engineering, told the news provider that the successful continuation of apprenticeships is vital in order to train the next generation of Scotland's engineering and construction experts.

Glasgow city council recently announced additional funding of £8,000 for each training placement offered by small and medium-sized businesses in the city, according to the Herald.