Almost 13,000 people have started a modern apprenticeship since April, according to new figures.
The Scottish Government and national skills body Skills Development Scotland have set a target to offer 25,000 places annually.
During the first half of the financial year 2014/15, 12,993 people started a modern apprenticeship, 52% of the annual target; 78% of those places were taken up by people between 16 and 24.
Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women's Employment Angela Constance said: "Modern apprenticeships form a significant part of the Scottish Government's pledge to support youth employment and earlier this year we announced that we will increase the number of places available year on year from 25,000 to 30,000 by 2020."
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