They also revealed that by the end of the third quarter of 2014/15 there were 19,517 new starts across the country — 78 per cent of the annual target of 25,000 which looks as if it will be exceeded — as well as a two per cent increase on last year.

MSP Adam Ingram said: “These figures are testament to the Scottish Government’s commitment to investing in youth employment – creating almost 100,000 new apprenticeship opportunities over the last four years including a total of 472 starts in East Ayrshire in 2014/15 so far.

“Apprenticeships play a key role in the Scottish Government’s efforts to promote youth employment and these figures are further evidence of the real results being achieved for young people in East Ayrshire – but there is always more which could be done.

“With the full range of economic powers in Scotland’s hands rather than Westminster’s we can do even more to boost youth employment and give local young people the opportunities they deserve.”