Image source, Getty Images

A ministerial statement on the delivery plan to tackle child poverty will be made at 2.30pm.

MSPs will then debate support for the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Housing (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1.

Employability and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn praises Skills Development Scotland for its work on and with apprenticeships.

Welcoming the growth in apprenticeships, the minister says two years ago there were 340 foundation apprentices and next year there will be 2,600 new starts.

"And our ambitions go further still," he adds.

Mr Hepburn says the Scottish government is taking a difference approach to the apprenticeship levy than that taken by the UK government in England, leading to a "high quality offering".

Applications for the BBC's Digital Journalism Apprenticeship, external close on Wednesday 4 April.

What do you need to apply?

• You should be creative, curious and resilient.
• You must love all things digital and be able to show you are already using social media to tell stories.
• You must have a passion for writing.

This is a scheme aimed at non-graduates. We also welcome those who are doing a completely different job – and want to make a career change to become a journalist.

If you are switched on, creative, and you can bring us your experiences of living in the UK today, then we want to hear from you.

Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur says there is a need to increase the number and range of people who undertake apprenticeships.

He welcomes the increase of apprentices coming from previously under-represented groups, including those with disabilities and those who are care-experienced.

The MSP expresses concern about the move away from some types of apprenticeships without consultation, noting that construction SMEs in particular rely on apprentices.

Labour MSP Iain Gray says Scotttish Apprenticeship Week is one he always tries to mark.

Mr Gray says the current modern apprenticeshp programme,in many ways dates back to the budget dispute of 2009.

Image source, bbc

The Labour MSP says the SNP government had to increase the number of apprenticeship places to get their budget through.

The government has since made real progress towards the target of 30,000 modern apprenticeships 2021.

"We shouldn't get to carried away about the progress we have made in terms of numbers."

He stresses the importance of the quality of the apprenticeship.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS), external recently announced more than 3,500 new-style apprenticeship places for 2018.

Foundation apprentices work towards their qualifications and gain work experience while studying for their National 5s or Highers.

Graduate apprentices can study to master's level, splitting their time between college, university or their employers.

There were also 26,262 modern apprenticeship starts in 2016-17, up 444 from the previous year.

SNP MSP Ruth Maguire suggests more must be done to ensure more young people are aware of apprenticeship opportunities available to them.

She notes recommendations that options should be outlined to pupils in S2 so they can make the best choices in school.

More than 3,500 new-style apprenticeship places have been announced for Scotland.

The places are intended to provide educational qualifications and workplace training for senior school pupils and potential graduates.

They are in addition to the modern apprentice programme, which supported more than 26,000 people last year.

Skills Development Scotland said work-based learning was vital for Scotland's future prosperity.

Read more here.

Tory MSP Jamie Halcro-Johnson says apprenticeships provide a valuable way to boost skills and training.

He welcomes a commitment from the Scottish government to ensure more people can participate in apprenticeships in the Highlands and Islands.

The Tory MSP also calls for programmes to be properly funded.

Parity of esteem between work-based and school-based education must be achieved, he adds.

The apprenticeship programme is an important way of re-skilling adults, as well as offering first job opportunities to young people, Mr Halcro Johnson states.

Image source, Thinkstock

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2018 took place at the start of this month.

It takes place annually to recognise the benefits apprenticeships bring to businesses, individuals and the economy.

Employers, apprentices, training providers, the education sector and councils took part in various activities across the country for Scottish Apprenticeship Week. , external

This year's theme was 'Apprenticeships are the Business'.

Tory MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston is now leading a debate marking Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which took place earlier this month.

His motion:

• points to the value of apprentices
• recognises the different types of apprenticeships available
• encourages more young people to become apprentices and more employers to take on apprentices

Image source, Scottish parliament

The first minister says the Scottish government will agree UK wide frameworks but stresses these must be agreed not imposed.

Discussions are ongoing with the UK government seeking agreement over the EU Withdrawal Bill, says Ms Strugeon.

"Proper respect for the devolution settlement is an absolute red line."

The first minster reiterates her preferred option of staying in the single market and the customs union.

Andrew Kerr
Scottish political correspondent

Scottish gin is enjoyed by customers across Europe, but how will its export to the trendy bars of Vienna be affected by Brexit?

Whisky may be Scotland's biggest export but there is an increasing demand for Scottish gin.

According to Leah Shaw-Hawkins, 70% of the UK's gin is made in Scotland, including a lot of the big brands.

Ms Shaw-Hawkins is brand manager for Pickerings of Edinburgh, one of the smaller craft gin makers.

Read more here.