Almost 1,700 new Modern Apprentices in South Lanarkshire in 2014

The stats also showed that 10 per cent of the 16 to 24 year olds in employment in the local authority area are Modern Apprentices.

SDS Head of Region for South Lanarkshire, Hazel Mathieson, said: “Last year there were almost 1700 new apprenticeship places in South Lanarkshire and more than 25,000 across the country.

“It’s a great testament to employers that they have continued to invest in Modern Apprenticeship opportunities right through the economic downturn.

“It’s also a great credit to the Modern Apprentices that so many have successfully completed or are on their way to completing their apprenticeship.

“The enduring appeal of Modern Apprenticeships is that they are driven by employer demand and for the individual they allow the apprentices to get a job and learn while they earn.

“Modern Apprenticeships provide young people with opportunities and support the local economy by anchoring skills and jobs in South Lanarkshire.”

There are currently 35,053 Modern Apprentices in training in Scotland with 40 per cent of those being female.

The top four sectors for Modern Apprentices are Construction, Sport, Health and Social Care and Hospitality.