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Pippa Van Wees from Arbroath is one of as growing number of young people from across Scotland who are able to “earn as they learn” thanks to an apprenticeship.

Pippa, who has played basketball since primary school, is able to pursue her passion for sport thanks to a modern apprenticeship with Angus Council.

When she left school she was not 100% sure about what to do next.

Then her mum found the modern apprenticeship opportunity with Active Schools.

Pippa already knew she liked working with children, having coached when she was in S5 and S6 at Arbroath High School.

She develops and promotes physical activity and sport opportunity to school-age children.

Pippa said the apprenticeship has increased her confidence and communication skills.

“I’ve really matured since I started my apprenticeship,” she said.

“When I go to schools and see how excited the kids are about my sessions that’s a real confidence booster.

“The modern apprenticeship is hands-on and is giving me priceless real-life work experience.

Pippa is one of a growing number of young people who are undertaking apprenticeships, which fall into three categories:

Foundation – Allows people of senior school age to gain a work-based, higher-equivalent qualification through industry experience and training through a learning provider such as Dundee and Angus College.

Modern – Jobs that enable a person to earn while they learn, for example attending a college one day a week.

Graduate – Jobs that enable a person to earn while gaining a degree-level qualification.

There are growing numbers of people in Tayside and Fife starting apprenticeships – more than 4,000 in the past academic year.

A new campaign to encourage people to top-up their skills with a foundation apprenticeship launches by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) today, 1 August.

The campaign supports the Scottish Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee, which aims to provide opportunities for every 16 to 24-year-old.

SDS is working at every level to provide support and opportunities for pupils, school leavers and beyond.

“We also work with other skills and economic agencies to understand the skills demand both locally and nationally, so that individuals can develop their skills and plan their careers,” Scotland’s national skills agency said.

“Scottish apprenticeships support both in-school and post-school opportunities for young people.  More than 12,000 employers support Scottish apprenticeships.

“Designed with employers for employers, they are demand-led and responsive to regional skills needs.”

Meanwhile a national survey of employers shows almost one in five have taken on apprentices.

Of the Scottish Government survey of 1,000 firms, 40% said they planned to continue or start offering apprenticeships in future – up from 26% in 2019.