The Scottish Government has committed to offer at least 30,000 new modern apprenticeship (MA) starts each year by 2020.

The first stage of this increase has been delivered - the 2015-16 target of 25,500 new MA opportunities has been exceeded with 25,818 starts delivered in 2015. The new target for 2016-17 of 26,000 MAs was announced on 29 February 2016.

Since the introduction of the 25,000 target in 2011-12, we have exceeded the required number of starts each year, even during the economic downturn. We delivered over 120,000 new opportunities in the last parliamentary term.

Because the programme is led by demand from employers to offer MA opportunities, it is not possible to determine the age, level, sector or gender of apprenticeships in advance.

However, I can advise that in 2015-16:

79% of starts were aged 16-24.

The majority (65%) of starts were in higher level apprenticeships (SVQ Level 3 or above)

The largest proportion of starts were in construction frameworks (19%).

41% of starts were female

Addressing under-representation in our MA programme is a key priority for the Scottish Government and Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to address, in partnership with industry and delivery partners. The MA equalities action plan, published in December 2015, includes specific improvement targets for MA participation by black or minority ethnic, care leavers, disabled people and gender balance. The success of our MA programme has seen more than 128,000 people get an invaluable start to their career over the last five years and we want young women and men from all backgrounds to be able to seize these opportunities.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) publish statistical information about the modern apprenticeship (MA) programme, including a breakdown by framework followed, on a quarterly basis. Year end statistics for 2015-16 were published on 7 June 2016, and can be accessed here: -https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/media/41664/modern-apprenticeship-statistics-quarter-4-2015-16-2-1.pdf

I can advise that, from the year end statistics, there were 4,894 MA starts in construction and related sectors in 2015-16, out of a total 25,818 MA starts.

Officials from Transport Scotland meet the Scottish Road Works Commissioner on a regular basis, normally at least once per month. Transport Scotland also holds quarterly meetings of the 'Road Works Policy Development Group', which includes the commissioner and representatives from the wider road works community.

In addition to these regular meetings, there have been a number of additional meetings recently between the commissioner and officials to discuss the emerging findings of the independent review of the commissioner's office and functions.

We aim to publish the findings of the review in July 2016 and to announce our response to its recommendations at the same time.