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Skillsmart Retail welcomes announcement of more Scottish Apprenticeships

Skillsmart Retail, the sector skills council for retail, has welcomed news that the number of Apprenticeship places in Scotland will increase by over 70%.

The measure is part of the national budget that was given the green light by the Scottish Parliament last Wednesday (4th February).

It was announced that £16m would go to create 7,800 Apprenticeship places in 2009/10. This will take the total number of Apprenticeships from 10,700 to 18,500, an increase of 73 per cent.

Skillsmart Retail's national manager for Scotland Ian McAvoy, said: "The approval of this funding package by the Scottish Parliament is great news for those looking to embark upon an Apprenticeship in all sectors.

"In the case of retail, it will give employers the chance to offer places to the future generation of employees at a time when the sector needs to keep hold of and increase skilled labour.

"We must now work together with training providers and employers to put these Apprenticeships into practice so that those on these schemes gain the qualifications which will stay with them for the whole of their careers."

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