Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray has challenged the First Minister to provide modern apprenticeships to all 16 year olds who want them.
At First Minister's Questions at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, Mr Gray also challenged Alex Salmond to follow Northern Ireland`s example by ensuring that apprentices declared redundant were able to complete their training.
Mr Salmond, meanwhile, defended the Scottish Government's plans and repeatedly attacked Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell.
On Monday, Mr Purnell – a minister in Labour's government at Westminster - accused the SNP of doing "too little, too late" to help the unemployed.
