5 March 2018

The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has launched Scottish Apprenticeship Week at a visit to Lothian Buses.

She revealed that the target to deliver 27,000 new Modern Apprenticeship starts by the end of this year, is on track.

The First Minister said:

Skills investment is a key contributor to our economic growth. That is why we have increased Skills Development Scotland’s funding by 7% to £193 million next year.

We recognise the vital role skills can play in helping individuals realise their potential allowing our businesses to maximise growth opportunities both now and in future.

Skills Development Scotland exists to create the conditions for businesses to increase productivity and growth, thereby helping deliver the skills that our people and economy need.”

The First Minister also met ‘local hero’ Charmaine Laurie, the Lothian Buses driver who last week avoided a crash in testing weather conditions.

Local Hero. First Minister @NicolaSturgeon meets @charmaine6173 and apprentices @on_lothianbuses at start of #ScotAppWeek18 @skillsdevscot https://t.co/HEdjJ2wbQq pic.twitter.com/FsOIZbrhVF

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) March 5, 2018

View video of the First Minister’s visit:

Apprenticeship skills. Employers supporting jobs drive. First Minister @NicolaSturgeon meets @on_lothianbuses apprentices #ScotAppWeek18 @skillsdevscot pic.twitter.com/IVyZILSWEY

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) March 5, 2018