WEST Dunbartonshire Council has pledged its support for another year of high quality apprenticeships.

Councillors, officers and trade union representatives signed the Apprenticeship Agreement last week, which reaffirms the council's pledge to developing a skilled workforce.

The agreement enshrines the local authority's commitment to high quality on and off the job training, as well as the same terms and conditions as other council workers, and payment at the training rate.

There will also be more training for those who are supervising the apprentices along with each trainee being supplied with a personal mentor to speak to about any issues.

Housing and communities convener, councillor Diane Docherty, said: "It is so important that we not only offer a high standard of apprenticeship opportunity but also can reassure the people taking part in the programmes that they will receive proper terms and conditions, proper training, and proper support if they move on from the Council.

“This agreement sets out some guarantees that will ensure every apprenticeship post has real benefits for the person involved and for our local economy.”