Ayrshire youngsters will find out more about apprenticeships at a special event in Seamill this week.

The national skills agency, Skills Development Scotland (SDS), is working with employers, training providers and partners to deliver an event promoting apprenticeships.

The apprenticeship summit takes place at the Seamill Hydro on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 November from 9.30am.

The event includes demonstrations from local employers, as well as presentations from apprentices who will share their experiences of work-based learning.

Aimed at pupils from S2 to S4, the event will help inform pupils, parents and carers when making choices about their future.

SDS Director of National Training Programmes Katie Hutton said: “Apprenticeships allow individuals to earn a wage and gain industry-recognised qualifications, as well as supporting employers to develop a skilled workforce for the future.

“The event will provide hands-on insight into what an apprenticeship could offer."

Last year there were 2,066 Modern Apprenticeship starts in Ayrshire, up from 1,976 in 2014/15.

An apprenticeship is a great way to get ahead in your career, giving young people the chance to work, learn and earn to gain industry-recognised qualifications.

There are more than 25,500 new Modern Apprenticeship opportunities across Scotland each year, with over 80 different types available in hundreds of jobs.

From financial services and healthcare to construction and IT, each apprenticeship is developed by industry to suit their needs.

And new graduate level apprenticeships provide work based learning opportunities up to master’s degree level for employees.

To find out more about apprenticeships head to www.apprenticeships.scot. apprenticeships.scot