Hundreds of school leavers will get extra help in training for work, Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced on Friday.

The Scottish Government is making £2million available to fund places for 420 young people to learn skills in sectors including engineering, motor vehicles, warehousing, retail, IT and administration.

The training places will then help them move into modern apprenticeships, employment or further training.

A total of £1.7million is being made available for the initiative this year, with a further £300,000 next year.

In addition to having the costs of their training paid for, those taking part in the scheme will receive a £55 a week allowance while they are on their course.

Ms Hyslop said: "It is important that we provide as many options as possible for young people who in the current economic climate may find it more difficult to naturally progress to formal education or training, especially in the current climate.

"Our whole economy has faced massive challenges over recent months. But the future success of the engineering, motor vehicle, warehousing/retail, IT and administration industries will be absolutely vital to our economic recovery. That is why we want to ensure that those entering the sector develop the necessary skills to succeed.

"People are our most valuable resource and I am determined to ensure that everyone in our society has the opportunity to make the most of their educational ability."

The scheme will be managed by the skills body Skills Development Scotland. The group's chief executive Damien Yeates said: "Young people are amongst the hardest hit by the current economic climate.

"It is vital that they get extra help in training for jobs right now. This programme is all about giving young people immediate, flexible support, access to building relevant employability skills and preparing them for the jobs of the future."

A total of 37,300 people aged between 18 and 24 claimed Jobseeker's Allowance in October, 600 fewer than in the previous month and 4,500 fewer than in August.

But 800 young people had been claiming the allowance for more than a year, compared with 700 in September and 600 in August.