Changes to expand the apprenticeship scheme in North Ayrshire could be put in place next week.

On Tuesday, February 21, North Ayrshire Council will discuss the possibility of supporting 70 apprentices per year – an increase from the 151 they had supported over the past three years.

While the council has been offering modern apprenticeships for the past 12 years, the new plan would see graduate apprenticeships and foundation apprenticeships added to the mix.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Economy and Climate Change, said: “We have supported hundreds of young people as they take their first steps into fruitful and successful careers.

“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.

“If approved at cabinet, it will confirm our ongoing commitment to North Ayrshire’s young people and re-affirm our intention to ensure that we give them the best start in life.

“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.”

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.

Modern apprenticeships 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.