Scottish Government announces plans to boost recruitment of apprentices

The Scotsman reports that the Scottish Government yesterday announced plans for a groundbreaking 'two for one' deal to boost the recruitment of apprentices in the country's vital life sciences sector. 

The initiative, unveiled at Dundee College by First Minister Alex Salmond, aims to support the recruitment of up to 100 apprentices in the sector through a £3 million funding boost.

Under the plans, Scottish life science companies will be able to recruit two apprentices for the price of one - with the full salary costs of the second apprentice being paid by the Government. The life sciences sector in Scotland already employs more than 30,000 people and contributes an estimated £2.8 billion annually to the economy.