YOUNG APPRENTICESHIPS FALL BY A THIRD SINCE 2016, SAYS SCOTTISH LABOUR LEADER

Friday 23rd October 2026

BAE Systems apprentices who have been allowed to start their “time” on Clydeside.

by BILL HEANEY

Greater regional control over skills and training will allow Scotland’s workers to take advantage of shipbuilding investment, Michael Marra will say today.

The Scottish Labour leader makes the call as new figures show plummeting numbers of young people starting apprenticeships.

Visiting Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard, where the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates are being built, Mr Marra will argue that decisions about training must be shaped by the needs of local employers and the communities that depend on them.

The call comes as the UK Labour Government backs British shipbuilding with a £6 billion investment in three new floating docks for the Royal Navy’s submarine service at HM Naval Base Clyde, alongside wider investment in the country’s maritime industries.

The investment presents a major opportunity for Scotland’s shipbuilding, engineering and manufacturing sectors. But Scottish Labour says that opportunity must translate into skilled jobs, apprenticeships and better prospects for people across Scotland.

Babcock’s Type 31 programme supports around 2,500 skilled jobs across Scotland and the UK supply chain, including 400 apprenticeships.

However, a lack of trained welders in Scotland has meant the company has had to use workers from overseas.

Across Scotland, the number of apprenticeships starting for people under 25 has fallen by over 6,000 since 2016 – or 32 per cent.

One in six young people aren’t in education, training or employment.

Scottish Labour wants regional leaders to have greater powers to bring together colleges, employers and training providers, ensuring people are equipped with the skills industry needs and that local communities share in the benefits of investment.

Michael Marra, Scottish Labour leader, said:“Scotland has world-class shipyards, outstanding engineering expertise and the talent to lead the next generation of British industry.

“Here at Rosyth, Babcock is building the next generation of Royal Navy frigates. Across Scotland, billions of pounds of defence investment offer a huge opportunity to create skilled jobs, strengthen our industrial base and open up new careers for young people.

“But investment alone is not enough. We must make sure people in our communities have the skills to take advantage of these opportunities.

“In this area, Holyrood’s centralised approach to skills has failed. We need to hand over power to local people and communities.

“Local colleges, employers and councils can work together to train people for the jobs their local economies actually need.

“Decisions about the skills needed in our shipyards, our energy industry and our advanced manufacturing sector should be shaped by the people who understand those industries best.

“There are billions of pounds of investment on the table here – Scottish workers should be given the skills to grab it. Let’s turn that investment into opportunity: good jobs, stronger local economies and a new generation of skilled workers building Scotland’s future.”

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