DOUGLAS Chapman MP has been encouraging Central Fife youngsters to secure their future during Modern Apprenticeship Week.

He is highlighting the vast range of learning opportunities provided by Dunfermline-based Fife College, and is using social media to promote to the message.

The MP for Crossgates, Hill of Beath and Moss-side, said: “The college delivers the largest modern Apprenticeship (MA) contract of any in Scotland.

“It clearly plays a vital role in meeting the demand for a skilled workforce for the Scottish economy. Now they have a new principal to keep pushing things forward.

“It has invested heavily to provide skilled workers in a variety of growth areas, such as construction, engineering, customer service and IT/telecommunications."

To support Scottish Apprenticeship Week, Mr Chapman was promoting a video on his social media, which features Carpentry and Joinery apprentices at the Dunfermline campus.

Apprentice Jordan Marshall, 23, of Cowdenbeath, who works with Jamieson Contracting in Pitreavie, said: "We're getting to know all aspects of the trade - that's a wide variety of skills both at work and at the college."

Fellow apprentice John Simpson, 25, who works with Bell Group UK, said: "We're learning a lot about carpentry - so we get to know the more intricate side of the joinery world. The course is allowing us to progress with our craft."

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) organised Scottish Apprenticeship Week from, to encourage more employers to take on apprentices.

Mr Chapman added: "The SNP’s extra investment and focus over the last decade has transformed apprenticeships - building bridges with industry, filling skills gaps and enhancing productivity, while giving our young people the skills they need to be at the forefront of our economy and our jobs market.  

"It’s important that we can provide opportunities to young people who feel that college or university is not for them."