Meeting of the Parliament 19 November 2025
I have stated before, as have colleagues, that we have an ambition to grow the number of modern apprenticeships, graduate apprenticeships and foundation apprenticeships. At the moment, there are a record number of people in modern apprenticeships. Yes, there is more demand in the economy than we are meeting, and, yes, there are colleges that want to fill more places. We want to work together with them. We recognise the challenge. However, to state that the system is not working in any way for our young people, or for business and industry, is erroneous. A good amount of work is happening across the country between industry and educators in schools, in order to prepare our young people, who are flourishing. heating. [Ben Macpheson has corrected this contribution. See end of report.]
For example, in the past few weeks, we have had Scottish careers week. That was a great opportunity for people from a variety of industry sectors to go into schools and other settings to help young people and those who are retraining to realise what career opportunities are available to them—whether in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, hospitality, care, the creative industries or many other areas. In recent days, I have had the great pleasure of attending many initiatives, including a conference that was jointly organised by the Federation of Small Businesses, the Institute of Directors Scotland and Young Scot. All those entities are working together with SDS, Developing the Young Workforce, the third sector, teachers, universities, colleges, parents, guardians and carers, and through initiatives such as the career services collaborative, to help people to find the next steps on their journey.