EXCLUSIVE: By Steve Bargeton, political editor

DUNDEE’S WORLD-class life sciences industry will receive a major boost today when First Minister Alex Salmond unveils a ground-breaking “two for one” apprentices deal.

The Scottish Government is making £3 million available to firms to employ 100 apprentices in the life sciences sector.

Ministers are in Dundee today and tomorrow for a special cabinet meeting and a number of other events.

During a visit to laboratories at Dundee College used by life sciences students, Mr Salmond is expected to reveal that the funding will enable companies to recruit two apprentices for one—with the full salary of the second apprentice being paid for by the Scottish Government.

Dundee is in the forefront of Scotland’s thriving life sciences sector, which involves more than 500 organisations—around 10% of them academic.

Together, the industry employs around 30,500 people and contributes more than £2.8 billion to the economy annually, with a projected growth rate of eight per cent—four times the average rate for Scotland.

“Dundee has been quick to establish itself as a global address for life science companies,” said the First Minister.

“Research and innovation has attracted world leading companies such as Wyeth and Cyclacel.

“The life sciences sector alone is an important component of the local economy, with the wider effects on Scotland’s reputation as a leader in life sciences attracting even greater economic benefits.”

Mr Salmond said during the economic recession the Scottish Government is investing in the future.

“A key part of this work is enabling innovation and supporting skills development, which is why we are investing so heavily in the generations of the future by raising educational standards and supporting a strong modern apprenticeship programme,” he said.

“Equally, we are investing in the sectors of the future, such as life sciences and renewable energy, so we can build on our comparative advantage and harness our full economic potential.”

Education and lifelong learning secretary Fiona Hyslop, who is expected to join the First Minister on his visit to Dundee College, said, “The life science industry is one of Scotland’s key economic sectors and will make an important contribution to our future economic success.

“We have acted quickly to meet the demands of this sector—valuable for technicians—and the First Minister and I launched the Modern Apprenticeship Framework for Life Sciences in China in April this year.”

Ms Hyslop added, “Today we are taking this support a step further, by providing funding for life sciences companies to take on two apprenticeships for the cost of one, to rapidly build the capacity for the sector for further growth in business and jobs.”

Ms Hyslop said in recent months that the Scottish Government doubled the number of apprenticeships in the hospitality and health and social care sectors and made £6 million available to fund 1000 apprentices in Glasgow to support the Commonwealth Games legacy.

It has also funded 50 apprentices in the creative sector and announced 100 home energy efficiency apprenticeships, she said.

Dundee College principal Christina Potter welcomed the announcement.

She said, “The development of science skills is critical to the financial health of Scotland and, in particular, here in Dundee.

“We work in partnership with the two local universities and the emerging life sciences companies in Dundee, to ensure that those leaving college and working in industry have the most relevant skill base.”

Dundee College has been successful in developing a “skills utilisation” bid for life sciences to support ground- breaking work in the field and has attracted more than £250,000 in grants from the Scottish Funding Council.

The initiative will be implemented by Skills Development Scotland.

The organisation’s chief executive Damien Yeates said, “Scotland is a world leader in life sciences.

“By offering businesses this robust support for apprenticeships, we are building for a future beyond the recession.

“This framework will have a hugely positive impact on Scottish recruitment, retention and upskilling in this growing sector.”