Recruitment of Scottish construction apprentices has reached a five year high, new figures from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) reveal.

Statistics released ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2016 (29 Feb.-4 March) show that 1,876 apprentices were hired in 2015, up 32 per cent from 1,422 in 2011.

Employers are now being encouraged to consider taking on an apprentice for the first time, or to add to their current pool, to help this upward trend continue.

CITB grant funding up to £10,250 is available to employers for every apprentice they employ. And with CITB research released last month predicting that over 21,000 new workers are needed in the next five years, there is no better time to encourage young people to join the industry.

Employers and anyone considering a career in construction can get all the information they need via the construction industry’s new website, Go Construct.

Ian Hughes, strategic partnerships director for CITB Scotland, said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week is the perfect platform to shine a spotlight on the value of apprenticeships to construction employers, and highlight the excellent career opportunities available.

“The industry needs thousands of new people to build Scotland’s houses, roads and schools. We want more employers to give apprentices the opportunity to be a part of building Scotland’s future, and add real value to their businesses.

“The construction industry’s new website, Go Construct, is a fantastic resource for employers and apprentices to find out about the support available, and the wealth of careers on offer.”

The figures were welcomed by Billy Scott, key sector manager for construction at Skills Development Scotland (SDS).

He said: “The increase in Modern Apprentices in Scotland’s Construction sector is encouraging, and fundamentally important to ensuring the industry has the skills it needs for future growth.

“It is central to the Skills Investment Plan for the sector launched by SDS with industry backing last year, which included themes such as attracting future talent. Employers of all sizes across the sector have a key role to play in developing the next generation of industry professionals.”