Job gender disparity

THERE has been little growth in the number of women taking up apprenticeships in recent years, new figures show.

A total of 10,451 females started modern apprenticeships in 2017/18, compared with 10,445 in 2013/14.

The figures from training organisation Skills Development Scotland (SDS) showed that over the same period the number of men starting an apprenticeship went from 14,839 to 16,694.

Fiona Stewart, head of national training programmes at SDS, said: “Employers and industry continue to invest in apprenticeships because they recognise the benefits of developing a skilled workforce.”