A £4million scheme to encourage businesses to hire apprentices was today launched by the Scottish Education Secretary.

Mike Russell, Scottish Education Secretary (Scottish Government/Flickr)

4000 companies will be given £1,000 to take on new apprentices in the scheme, which runs from January 11th to March 26th 2010.

Education and Lifelong Learning Secretary Mike Russell said:

“This Government is doing everything it can to help the Scottish economy through the recession and through ScotAction we are continuing to provide real financial support to businesses and individuals.

“Today I want to offer all businesses across Scotland £1000 to take on a new apprentice. This will benefit our hard working companies and employers who continue to fight the effects of the recession. It will also provide increased skills training opportunities to thousands of individuals across Scotland.

“No sector has been immune from the recession and people of all ages are being affected. That is why today’s incentive is being broadened out to cover all sectors and apprentices of all ages.

“Apprentices are vital for Scotland’s recovery. The action we are taking shows that we are doing everything we can to make sure that businesses continue to invest in training for the people who will be our workforce of the future.

“Our whole economy has faced massive challenges over recent months. However, in order to ensure that our economy continues to be competitive in a global market over the next few years, we need to invest now in people who can develop the skills we will need in the future.”

The scheme is part of a Scottish Government program called “ScotAction” which aims to help businesses and individuals through the recession.