North Ayrshire Council has approved an expansion of their apprenticeship programme to help more young people “kickstart their careers.”

The council approved the expansion on Tuesday, February 21 which will now see foundation and graduate level apprenticeships made available alongside he modern apprenticeships the council has offered for 12 years.

Through the plans they are aiming to support 70 apprentices a year – 20 more than their current average.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Economy and Climate Change, said: “We have operated one of the largest local authority Modern Apprenticeship programmes in Scotland and we’re proud of the impact it has had on our young people’s lives.

“We know the skills they developed and qualifications they gained during their time as an apprentice has been the solid foundation on which they can build a bright future.

“With the current Cost-of-Living Crisis affecting us all, it’s perhaps never been as important to ensure our young people get all the support they need to kickstart their careers.”

Foundation apprenticeships are available to school pupils and would involve a collaboration between the education service, Ayrshire College, and local employers.

Graduate apprenticeships – the highest level of apprenticeship available - will allow young people who are no longer in school to achieve an honours degree through a partnership with the University of the West of Scotland.

The degrees available are BA (Hons) Business Management, BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering, BA Early Learning & Childcare, BEng (Hons) Engineering Design & Manufacture, BSc (Hons) IT: Software Development.

Foundation apprenticeships are available to school pupils and would involve a collaboration between the education service, Ayrshire College, and local employers.

They focus on developing workplace skills and giving young people the chance to gain experience in payroll, hospitality, management, digital, facilities, housing, IT, procurement and social services, in collaboration with Ayrshire College.