A scheme designed to prepare students for work in the IT sector has reached the milestone of its 1000th paid placement.

The programme, run by Edinburgh Napier University and the trade body for the IT industry ScotlandIS, aims to cut the skills gap by matching able students with high quality work placements.

Under e-Placement Scotland, all students are paid with pro-rata salaries ranging from £12,000 to £20,000.

Sally Smith, project director of e-Placement Scotland, said: "We have all worked incredibly hard to get to this point and we are grateful to the organisations across the country who have supported our mission over the last five years and made these placements possible."

Scotland has a thriving IT sector, but needs fresh talent to secure growth for the future, she said. "These placements are valuable for everyone involved and I believe Scotland's economy will be reaping the benefits for years to come."

e-Placement Scotland has worked with more than 500 companies over the last five years from major employers such as Morgan Stanley, Scottish Government and JP Morgan to a range of promising start-ups. It also works closely with universities and colleges to identify talented and ambitious students.

For employers the scheme offers the chance to grow their own talent at a fraction of traditional recruitment costs, while students get vital hands-on experience.

Minister for Youth and Women's Employment Annabelle Ewing said: "The Scottish Government welcomes the collaborative work by industry and the education sector to help address the skills shortage in this area."