Frequently asked questions

You can apply for a Scottish Apprenticeship if: 

• you’ll be a Scottish resident for the whole of your apprenticeship 

• you have the right to work in the UK 

• the business you work for as an apprentice is based in Scotland 

Visit these Citizens Advice links for more information about your right to work in the UK: 

• Check if you have the right to work in the UK

• How to prove your right to work in the UK

What’s a Scottish resident?  

You’re a Scottish resident if you’re resident (you live) in Scotland and either: 

• have only one place of residence, which is in Scotland; or  

• if you have more than one place of residence, your main place of residence is in Scotland. 

Having a main place of residence in Scotland means you reside for more days of each UK tax year at your residence in Scotland than in any other place of residence.

A UK tax year runs from 6 April in one year to 5 April in the next year.

If you’re in Scotland on a parental visa, partner-spouse visa or child visa, being able to apply for a Scottish Apprenticeship depends on a few things:  

• You must be a Scottish resident for the whole of your apprenticeship 

• What the visa says you can do – it might have some extra rules 

• You must have the right to work in the UK 

• The business you work for as an apprentice must be based in Scotland 

 Visit these Citizens Advice links for more information about your right to work in the UK: 

• Check if you have the right to work in the UK

• How to prove your right to work in the UK

What’s a Scottish resident?  

You’re a Scottish resident if you’re resident (you live) in Scotland and either: 

• have only one place of residence, which is in Scotland; or  

• if you have more than one place of residence, your main place of residence is in Scotland.  

Having a main place of residence in Scotland means you reside for more days of each UK tax year at your residence in Scotland than in any other place of residence.

A UK tax year runs from 6 April in one year to 5 April in the next year. 

Want to get in touch with your local Skills Development Scotland (SDS) careers adviser? You can phone 0800 917 8000 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. You can also visit the SDS website to find your nearest centre.

If you're at school, you can speak to your school careers adviser. Check with your guidance teacher if you need more information.

If a long time has passed since you applied for an apprenticeship and you haven't heard anything, double-check the closing date. Then you could send a polite enquiry to the employer or learning provider who posted it, on their website. Some employers don't reply to everyone who applies or contacts them. It doesn't mean you did anything wrong on your application. Instead, it may happen if they get hundreds of applications for a popular vacancy.

No, apprentices can't be self-employed. All apprentices must be employed by an employer who has their business in Scotland.

Yes, apprenticeships are open to existing employees as well as new applicants. Ask your employer about options for starting an apprenticeship.

We want to help everyone to find the right apprenticeship. Look out for the Disability Confident symbol on the Vacancy pages on Apprenticeships.scot. This symbol means if you apply, identify yourself as being disabled and meet the minimum criteria, you should be offered an interview. If you are disabled or have learning difficulties, you might be eligible for additional support such as Access to Work grants. Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. Find out more about Access to Work on the UK Government website.

When you apply for an apprenticeship on our Vacancies search page, this is what will happen: You'll receive a confirmation email from the apprenticeships.scot team. If you don't receive the confirmation email within 24 hours please email our customer services team: customer.services@sds.co.uk. The employer or recruitment adviser has your details from your vacancy application. So they’ll be able to contact you by phone, text or email. Application numbers can be very high so if you don't hear anything more, it means that someone else was more suited to the role on this occasion. Remember, you may not get an offer for every application. Employers add new apprenticeships regularly, so another great vacancy could be waiting for you. Apply for another one any time with our Vacancies search.

If you’d like to apply for an apprenticeship in Scotland, here are the different ways you can do it.

Foundation Apprenticeships

A Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) is a subject choice that lets you get real industry experience while you’re at school. You can choose a Foundation Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 in S5 or S6.

To get started:

1. check out which FAs are available in your school with the ‘Find a Foundation Apprenticeship’ search on the FA page

2. fill in the quick form

3. a careers adviser will get in touch with more information

Modern Apprenticeships

A Modern Apprenticeship (MA) lets you learn on the job. You’ll gain skills, experience and qualifications to kick-start your career. You can apply to become a Modern Apprentice if you’re over the legal school-leaving age in Scotland.

To apply, search our wide range of MA vacancies which are updated regularly. Each vacancy has details of how to apply.

Graduate Apprenticeships

A Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) is a job with learning up to degree level. A GA lets you gain the skills and experience employers want.

You can apply for a GA if you’re over the legal school-leaving age and you want to work, learn and earn a degree.

To apply, search our wide range of Graduate Apprenticeship vacancies which are updated regularly. Each vacancy has details of how to apply.

You do Foundation Apprenticeships while at school. You get work experience and you study at a college or other place of learning. As you're at school when you do a Foundation Apprenticeship, you’re not employed or paid.

When you’re a Modern Apprentice, you’re employed and you get on-the-job experience. You'll learn at a college or other place of learning and earn industry-recognised qualifications.

As a graduate apprentice, you'll also get on-the-job experience and be employed by a company. You'll learn at a university and will study for an ordinary or master’s degree.

Find out more about Foundation Apprenticeships, Modern Apprenticeships and Graduate Apprenticeships.

You could still do a Modern Apprenticeship if you have an HNC (Higher National Certificate). But it might influence the funding you get and which level of apprenticeship you choose.

Here are the things you need to consider.

Skills and funding

To be eligible for funding in 2025, you must show that you need to gain significant new knowledge and skills for your job role. If your HNC is in a completely different subject than the apprenticeship, you’re generally eligible for full funding.

Level of apprenticeship

Same level (SCQF Level 7): An HNC is at SCQF Level 7. You might be able to do an SCQF Level 7 Modern Apprenticeship if you’re gaining new knowledge and skills. You may not be required to re-sit learning that you’ve done before.

Higher level: You may be better suited for a Technical Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 8/9) or a Graduate Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 9+). These are designed for people who already have higher-level qualifications or experience.

Some Technical Modern Apprenticeships ask for an HNC or SQA Highers as an entry requirement.

If you’d like to apply for an apprenticeship in Scotland, here are the different ways you can do it.

Foundation Apprenticeships

A Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) is a subject choice that lets you get real industry experience while you’re at school. You can choose a Foundation Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 in S5 or S6.

To get started:

1. check out which FAs are available in your school with the ‘Find a Foundation Apprenticeship’ search on the FA page

2. fill in the quick form

3. a careers adviser will get in touch with more information

Modern Apprenticeships

A Modern Apprenticeship (MA) lets you learn on the job. You’ll gain skills, experience and qualifications to kick-start your career. You can apply to become a Modern Apprentice if you’re over the legal school-leaving age in Scotland.

To apply, search our wide range of MA vacancies which are updated regularly. Each vacancy has details of how to apply.

Graduate Apprenticeships

A Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) is a job with learning up to degree level. A GA lets you gain the skills and experience employers want.

You can apply for a GA if you’re over the legal school-leaving age and you want to work, learn and earn a degree.

To apply, search our wide range of Graduate Apprenticeship vacancies which are updated regularly. Each vacancy has details of how to apply.

There are more than 100 different Modern Apprenticeship types available to study at SCQF Level 4/5 up to SCQF Level 11.

Yes, it’s often possible to move on to an apprenticeship at a higher level. For example, you might finish a Modern Apprenticeship and move on to a Graduate Apprenticeship.

There are a few things you and your employer need to consider. Your learning provider will be able to provide more information about apprenticeship levels.

Already got your eye on a specific apprenticeship or framework? When you browse the types and frameworks of apprenticeships available, there’s information in each one about how you can move on to other paths such as further study or work.

You do Foundation Apprenticeships while at school. You get work experience and you study at a college or other place of learning. As you're at school when you do a Foundation Apprenticeship, you’re not employed or paid.

When you’re a Modern Apprentice, you’re employed and you get on-the-job experience. You'll learn at a college or other place of learning and earn industry-recognised qualifications.

As a graduate apprentice, you'll also get on-the-job experience and be employed by a company. You'll learn at a university and will study for an ordinary or master’s degree.

Find out more about Foundation Apprenticeships, Modern Apprenticeships and Graduate Apprenticeships.

To become a Modern Apprentice, you should be the legal age to leave school in Scotland.

You can apply before you leave school or any time after that. You must have left school before you start the apprenticeship.

There’s no maximum age to do a Modern Apprenticeship. But the funding an employer receives for some apprenticeships is different if you're aged 25 or older.

Watch this video (jump to 1 minute 24 seconds) about school leaving age and applying for apprenticeships

Each Modern Apprenticeship tells you all about the subject and if there are any entry requirements. Check out all apprenticeship types and filter on ‘Modern Apprenticeships’ to read about each one.

It’s not just about qualifications, though – if you have great work experience, that’ll also be considered when you apply.

Yes, you're allowed time away from your workplace to study. Your workplace could be, for example:

• an office

• a workshop or factory

• a shop

• your home office

Your learning provider can tell you about all training that takes place at or away from your workplace, for example at college.

The time you spend in apprenticeship training that's not in your workplace is considered 'time spent at work'. This includes the time you need to prepare and undertake assessments.

Yes, apprenticeships are open to existing employees as well as new applicants. Ask your employer about options for starting an apprenticeship.

If you’d like to apply for an apprenticeship in Scotland, here are the different ways you can do it.

Foundation Apprenticeships

A Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) is a subject choice that lets you get real industry experience while you’re at school. You can choose a Foundation Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 in S5 or S6.

To get started:

1. check out which FAs are available in your school with the ‘Find a Foundation Apprenticeship’ search on the FA page

2. fill in the quick form

3. a careers adviser will get in touch with more information

Modern Apprenticeships

A Modern Apprenticeship (MA) lets you learn on the job. You’ll gain skills, experience and qualifications to kick-start your career. You can apply to become a Modern Apprentice if you’re over the legal school-leaving age in Scotland.

To apply, search our wide range of MA vacancies which are updated regularly. Each vacancy has details of how to apply.

Graduate Apprenticeships

A Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) is a job with learning up to degree level. A GA lets you gain the skills and experience employers want.

You can apply for a GA if you’re over the legal school-leaving age and you want to work, learn and earn a degree.

To apply, search our wide range of Graduate Apprenticeship vacancies which are updated regularly. Each vacancy has details of how to apply.

There are 15 different Graduate Apprenticeship types available to study at SCQF Level 9 up to SCQF Level 11.

Graduate Apprenticeships are now funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). You should ask your university to check with SFC about Graduate Apprenticeships funding eligibility.

Yes, you're allowed time away from your workplace to study. Your workplace could be, for example:

• an office

• a workshop or factory

• a shop

• your home office

You'll spend most of your time at work, but will study for part of your week at university.

The time you spend in apprenticeship training that's not in your workplace is considered 'time spent at work'. This includes the time you'll need to prepare and undertake assessments.

Each Graduate Apprenticeship tells you all about the subject and if there are any entry requirements. Check out all apprenticeship types and filter on ‘Graduate Apprenticeships’ to read about each one.

It’s not just about qualifications, though – if you have great work experience, that’ll also be considered when you apply.

Yes, apprenticeships are open to existing employees as well as new applicants. Ask your employer about options for starting an apprenticeship.

You could still do a Modern Apprenticeship if you have an HNC (Higher National Certificate). But it might influence the funding you get and which level of apprenticeship you choose.

Here are the things you need to consider.

Skills and funding

To be eligible for funding in 2025, you must show that you need to gain significant new knowledge and skills for your job role. If your HNC is in a completely different subject than the apprenticeship, you’re generally eligible for full funding.

Level of apprenticeship

Same level (SCQF Level 7): An HNC is at SCQF Level 7. You might be able to do an SCQF Level 7 Modern Apprenticeship if you’re gaining new knowledge and skills. You may not be required to re-sit learning that you’ve done before.

Higher level: You may be better suited for a Technical Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 8/9) or a Graduate Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 9+). These are designed for people who already have higher-level qualifications or experience.

Some Technical Modern Apprenticeships ask for an HNC or SQA Highers as an entry requirement.

If you are aged 11 to 26, you can use a Young Scot card. This offers discounts, including cheaper train fares until your 19th birthday. You can apply on the Young Scot website. Young people aged 5 to 21 are also able to access the new free bus scheme using the National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot branded NEC. Please check the Transport Scotland website for updates.

As a Modern or Graduate Apprentice, you must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for an apprentice. You can find pay rates on the UK Government website and on the ACAS website.

The employer should also give you full access to the same facilities or benefits as other staff.

If you’re looking to study a Graduate Apprenticeship, you can apply for Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding.

SAAS funding only applies to you if you started your Graduate Apprenticeship from the 2021/22 academic year onwards.

No. Your employer has to pay for your training and provide you with personal protective equipment (PPE). If that’s not happening, speak to your learning provider.

No. You’ll be expected to cover your own travel costs, just like other employees.

Yes, you’ll have to apply to Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) every year of your course for tuition fees. SAAS will pay these fees directly to the university you attend. Find out about Graduate Apprenticeship funding on the SAAS website

If you’d like to apply for an apprenticeship in Scotland, here are the different ways you can do it.

Foundation Apprenticeships

A Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) is a subject choice that lets you get real industry experience while you’re at school. You can choose a Foundation Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 in S5 or S6.

To get started:

1. check out which FAs are available in your school with the ‘Find a Foundation Apprenticeship’ search on the FA page

2. fill in the quick form

3. a careers adviser will get in touch with more information

Modern Apprenticeships

A Modern Apprenticeship (MA) lets you learn on the job. You’ll gain skills, experience and qualifications to kick-start your career. You can apply to become a Modern Apprentice if you’re over the legal school-leaving age in Scotland.

To apply, search our wide range of MA vacancies which are updated regularly. Each vacancy has details of how to apply.

Graduate Apprenticeships

A Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) is a job with learning up to degree level. A GA lets you gain the skills and experience employers want.

You can apply for a GA if you’re over the legal school-leaving age and you want to work, learn and earn a degree.

To apply, search our wide range of Graduate Apprenticeship vacancies which are updated regularly. Each vacancy has details of how to apply.

You can apply for a Scottish Apprenticeship if: 

• you’ll be a Scottish resident for the whole of your apprenticeship 

• you have the right to work in the UK 

• the business you work for as an apprentice is based in Scotland 

Visit these Citizens Advice links for more information about your right to work in the UK: 

• Check if you have the right to work in the UK

• How to prove your right to work in the UK

What’s a Scottish resident?  

You’re a Scottish resident if you’re resident (you live) in Scotland and either: 

• have only one place of residence, which is in Scotland; or  

• if you have more than one place of residence, your main place of residence is in Scotland. 

Having a main place of residence in Scotland means you reside for more days of each UK tax year at your residence in Scotland than in any other place of residence.

A UK tax year runs from 6 April in one year to 5 April in the next year.

If you’re in Scotland on a parental visa, partner-spouse visa or child visa, being able to apply for a Scottish Apprenticeship depends on a few things:  

• You must be a Scottish resident for the whole of your apprenticeship 

• What the visa says you can do – it might have some extra rules 

• You must have the right to work in the UK 

• The business you work for as an apprentice must be based in Scotland 

 Visit these Citizens Advice links for more information about your right to work in the UK: 

• Check if you have the right to work in the UK

• How to prove your right to work in the UK

What’s a Scottish resident?  

You’re a Scottish resident if you’re resident (you live) in Scotland and either: 

• have only one place of residence, which is in Scotland; or  

• if you have more than one place of residence, your main place of residence is in Scotland.  

Having a main place of residence in Scotland means you reside for more days of each UK tax year at your residence in Scotland than in any other place of residence.

A UK tax year runs from 6 April in one year to 5 April in the next year. 

Just visit our Find a vacancy page and search by keywords, location, job sector or qualification level. Each job has details of how to apply.

Every worker in the UK is entitled to a minimum number of paid holidays. You’re entitled to 5.6 weeks (that’s 28 days if you work 5 days a week) of paid leave per year. Find out more about your rights, including paid leave on Gov.uk website.

If you didn't get the results you were expecting, please contact your school or learning provider as soon as possible. If you're still in school you can also speak to your school's careers adviser.

If you've already left school, you can speak to a Skills Development Scotland adviser by calling 0800 917 8000. Our helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

If you'd rather speak to someone in person, some of our career centres are now open by appointment only. Call your local centre to make an appointment.

Yes, there is no restriction on the size of organisation that can employ an apprentice.

The Apprenticeship Levy is a UK Government employment tax. It's collected across the whole of the UK.

All employers (public, private and third sector) with a pay bill of more than £3 million each year have to pay the levy.

SDS works with employers, including industry bodies, to provide support.

Skills Development Scotland makes a financial contribution to Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland. We do this by funding delivery through our network of contracted learning providers.

All employers – including levy-paying and non-levy-paying – who have apprentices and premises in Scotland can source apprenticeship training through these learning providers.

Led by employers and representatives from industry bodies across a range of sectors, the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board (SAAB) provides employer leadership and contribution to the development of apprenticeships in Scotland. This ensures they are aligned with industry and economic need, Fair Work and job opportunities.

The Board consists of four groups – a Group Board, Employer Engagement Group, Employer Equalities Group and Frameworks and Standards Group. Find out more about the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board

Would you like to bring a Foundation Apprentice into your business? You just need to fill in the Employer Foundation Apprenticeship form and our team will pass your details to learning providers in your area for the apprenticeship(s) you've chosen. They'll get back to you to discuss how you can support young people and develop the next generation of talent.

If you need help or information, call us on 0800 783 6000, check out our FAQs or read our Guidance for employers.

Employers can engage with learners throughout their journey on the programme. They can do this at key stages with varying levels of involvement.

The main employer involvement is the work placement for learners. Depending on the employer’s capacity this could be for one or more learners. It could take place virtually or in person.

Some Foundation Apprenticeships include projects rather than work placements. This is mainly on the Foundation Apprenticeships at SCQF Level 4/5, which are in pilot. Employers lead these projects and suggest the topics that will be covered.

The learning provider delivers the project with the Foundation Apprentices. The employers support the project by:

• commenting on the input from the learners

• offering encouragement and an insight into the world of work

• ensuring the project is up to date and relevant

If you take on Foundation Apprentices, there’s no cost to you as the apprentice is still at school.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) funds Local Authority and Independent Learning Providers’ delivery of Foundation Apprenticeships. Foundation Apprenticeships that are delivered through colleges are funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).

Foundation Apprenticeships are delivered by learning providers. They select young people to take part in the programme in partnership with learners’ school.

The learning provider liaises with employers to match each Foundation Apprentice with a suitable employer.

No, as an employer you will not incur any direct costs through being involved in the programme. The only thing you need to invest is your time, which can result in lasting rewards with access to talented and driven young people.

There are over 100 different Modern Apprenticeship types available to study at SCQF Level 4/5 up to SCQF Level 11.

Find out more about Modern Apprenticeships and how they could work for your business.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) contributes to the costs of training and assessing Modern Apprentices.

In most cases we pay the learning provider you choose to deliver the apprenticeship. The level of our contribution depends on the:

• age of the apprentice

• qualification level

• apprenticeship sector

Find out more about funding for Modern Apprenticeships.

You can also contact your local authority to see if there is any other funding available to support recruitment or wage costs.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) administers the public sector's funding contribution. This goes towards the cost of training and assessing employees that employers wish to support, through an approved Modern Apprenticeship (MA) framework.

To become a Modern Apprentice, candidates should be at least statutory school leaving age and must have left school before they start the apprenticeship. Candidates can apply before they leave school or any time after that.

• Watch this Skills Development Scotland video explaining statutory school leaving age and eligibility for apprenticeships

• Find out more about Modern Appprenticeships – employers

• Find out more about Modern Apprenticeships – learning providers

The Apprenticeship Levy is a UK Government employment tax. It's collected across the whole of the UK.

All employers (public, private and third sector) with a pay bill of more than £3 million each year have to pay the levy.

SDS works with employers, including industry bodies, to provide support.

Skills Development Scotland makes a financial contribution to Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland. We do this by funding delivery through our network of contracted learning providers.

All employers – including levy-paying and non-levy-paying – who have apprentices and premises in Scotland can source apprenticeship training through these learning providers.

There are 15 different Graduate Apprenticeship types available to study at SCQF Level 9 up to SCQF Level 11.

Find out more about Graduate Apprenticeships and how they could work for your business.

Graduate Apprentice learning costs are now funded by the Scottish Funding Council and Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).

Find out more about funding for Graduate Apprenticeships.

Graduate Apprenticeships are now managed by the Scottish Funding Council. Graduate Apprentice learning costs are funded by the Scottish Funding Council and Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).

Funding covers the full duration of the programme. Graduate Apprentices will apply directly to SAAS for the funding.

The eligibility for the Graduate Apprenticeship programme is defined on the SAAS website.

No costs will be reclaimed in relation to any of the individual's learning costs.

Graduate Apprentices spend around 80% of their time in work and the other 20% with a university learning provider.

They'll usually spend four days per week at work and one day in university. Sometimes, their time will be split differently – meaning they'll need to do a certain amount of hours per month at university.

Basically, Graduate Apprentices are employees who spend some of their time studying.

Qualifications vary depending on the Graduate Apprenticeship. Check out all apprenticeship frameworks and filter to find Graduate Apprenticeships. Each one tells you about its unique entry requirements.

Every applicant should be assessed not just on formal qualifications but also existing work experience, during recruitment. The Graduate Apprenticeship is designed so that previous learning will not be repeated.

A Graduate Apprentice employer meets with the learning provider, also known as the delivery partner, to agree the structure of the Graduate Apprentice programme. This includes:

• assessment methods

• time spent at university

• projects that will need to be supported in the workplace

The employer also:

• attends regular meetings with the delivery partner and the Graduate Apprentice, who is their employee

• mentors the Graduate Apprentice and gets involved in training and assessment elements, as agreed with the learning provider

The role of the employer depends on the individual partnership between the employer and the university, college or other learning provider.

Employers should continue to apply their standard Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) recruitment process. However, since 2021 the employee is required to apply for Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding for tuition fees. The employer should build in some extra time for this step.

The decision on learner eligibility for a GA will continue to be taken by the learning provider – the higher education institute or university. SAAS will not determine whether a learner is eligible.

The learning provider will advise the apprentice and employer on next steps when applying for SAAS. Find further guidance on the  SAAS website.

Graduate Apprentices may be able to suspend studies for up to 12 months. If the suspension is longer than 12 months, the learning provider will need to re-register the apprentice as part of a new cohort.

The apprentice may be eligible for accelerated entry into the programme based on the level of prior learning achieved.

The apprentice must still be in employment and their employer must agree to support them through the remainder of the Graduate Apprenticeship programme.

Delivery partners tend to offer Graduate Apprenticeship programmes that match closely with their academic prospectus.

Skills Development Scotland works with a range of delivery partners who can offer Graduate Apprenticeships regardless of geography. We'd recommend employers get in touch with your preferred partner to discuss your specific requirements.

There are two main ways to do this. You can get involved with apprenticeship development or you can request a change or addition. Either way there’s lots of support and information to guide you.

There are more than 100 apprenticeship types, or frameworks, covering hundreds of job roles. These include broad topic coverage to meet the needs of a diverse range of employers. If you’ve reviewed the available apprenticeships and can't find an apprenticeship to support your needs, we’re here to help. You can call our Employer Helpline on 0800 783 6000. If you’d like to ask for a change to an existing apprenticeship framework, or to suggest a new framework, you can request a change or addition.

We treat requests on a case-by-case basis and we aim to respond within 4 weeks. If your request is rejected we’ll explain our decision and advise you of any existing framework that could support your needs.

Graduate Apprentice learning costs are now funded by the Scottish Funding Council and Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).

Find out more about funding for Graduate Apprenticeships.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) contributes to the costs of training and assessing Modern Apprentices.

In most cases we pay the learning provider you choose to deliver the apprenticeship. The level of our contribution depends on the:

• age of the apprentice

• qualification level

• apprenticeship sector

Find out more about funding for Modern Apprenticeships.

You can also contact your local authority to see if there is any other funding available to support recruitment or wage costs.

If you take on Foundation Apprentices, there’s no cost to you as the apprentice is still at school.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) administers the public sector's funding contribution. This goes towards the cost of training and assessing employees that employers wish to support, through an approved Modern Apprenticeship (MA) framework.

Graduate Apprenticeships are now managed by the Scottish Funding Council. Graduate Apprentice learning costs are funded by the Scottish Funding Council and Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).

Funding covers the full duration of the programme. Graduate Apprentices will apply directly to SAAS for the funding.

The eligibility for the Graduate Apprenticeship programme is defined on the SAAS website.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) funds Local Authority and Independent Learning Providers’ delivery of Foundation Apprenticeships. Foundation Apprenticeships that are delivered through colleges are funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).

The Apprenticeship Levy is a UK Government employment tax. It's collected across the whole of the UK.

All employers (public, private and third sector) with a pay bill of more than £3 million each year have to pay the levy.

SDS works with employers, including industry bodies, to provide support.

Skills Development Scotland makes a financial contribution to Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland. We do this by funding delivery through our network of contracted learning providers.

All employers – including levy-paying and non-levy-paying – who have apprentices and premises in Scotland can source apprenticeship training through these learning providers.

Employers should continue to apply their standard Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) recruitment process. However, since 2021 the employee is required to apply for Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding for tuition fees. The employer should build in some extra time for this step.

The decision on learner eligibility for a GA will continue to be taken by the learning provider – the higher education institute or university. SAAS will not determine whether a learner is eligible.

The learning provider will advise the apprentice and employer on next steps when applying for SAAS. Find further guidance on the  SAAS website.

Modern and Graduate Apprentices will be just like any other employee of a business, so the employer pays their wages. It’s good practice for employers to pay a salary that attracts the best people – find out more about the Living Wage. Remember employers must meet National Minimum Wage guidelines for apprentices.

The apprentice should also have full access to any facilities or benefits that you provide for other staff.

Learners can apply for funding for a Graduate Apprenticeship in a similar subject area if their existing qualification is at a lower SCQF level.

They may also be eligible for funding if they have a similar level of qualification, but in a different subject area.

No. Scotland and England have different administrative arrangements for funding apprenticeships.

Just like any other employee, a Modern or Graduate Apprentice would normally pay their own way to and from work.

However, if they have to travel to college or the learning provider’s premises, you might pay some or all of their travel expenses.

Learners who already hold a degree qualification may still be eligible to apply and be awarded for Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding. Each university can advise on the funding criteria for individual situations.

Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding only applies to learners starting their Graduate Apprenticeship from the 2021/22 academic year and beyond. These learners will generally commence from August 2021 onwards. SAAS funding applications are not required for Graduate Apprentices who commenced their Graduate Apprenticeship before April 2021.

No, as an employer you will not incur any direct costs through being involved in the programme. The only thing you need to invest is your time, which can result in lasting rewards with access to talented and driven young people.

Yes, you can add multiple positions in different locations in one advert.

If the positions are all for the same role and at the same location, you can also treat it as one vacancy. Please remember to state the number of positions in your advert.

We sometimes change a job title in the search results to help candidates find the vacancy and understand what it involves. However, the actual job title of your vacancy won’t change.

If you choose, you can hide the employer’s information in the vacancy advert. However, we don’t recommend this; it’s helpful if apprentices know as much as possible about the job they’re applying for.

Whether you choose to include or hide the details in the advert, you need to include employer information when you upload the vacancy to Apprenticeships.scot so we know who is advertising the role.

We can accept png and jpeg files. The logo dimensions should be a minimum of 300 pixels wide and 300 pixels high and the file size shouldn’t exceed 500Kb.

There’s no bulk upload facility. However, it’s easy to clone vacancies – this is a good way to speed things up when you have lots of vacancies to upload.

Yes, it's great if employers can respond to all candidates - those who apply and those who make it to an interview. Some people might be applying for their first job, or it could be their dream role, so any feedback helps them for next time. It also shows your business in a positive light.

We rarely reject a vacancy – if we do it’s usually because it doesn’t qualify under the apprenticeship rules. If we have any doubts or concerns, we’ll try to phone you first to clarify these issues.

If the vacancy is rejected we’ll email you explaining why, to your registered email address. If you don’t see it in your inbox, check your spam or junk folder.

You can log in to your Apprenticeships.scot dashboard to find the status of your vacancies. Any that have been declined won't appear on your dashboard. You’ll be able to upload and re-submit the vacancy if any errors caused it to be declined.

Have a look at our handy employers’ guide to vacancies on our

Employers page

Employers should continue to apply their standard Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) recruitment process. However, since 2021 the employee is required to apply for Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding for tuition fees. The employer should build in some extra time for this step.

The decision on learner eligibility for a GA will continue to be taken by the learning provider – the higher education institute or university. SAAS will not determine whether a learner is eligible.

The learning provider will advise the apprentice and employer on next steps when applying for SAAS. Find further guidance on the  SAAS website.

If you are making an apprentice redundant, your apprentices can get support and advice from our PACE team on 0800 917 8000. My World of Work has employment and redundancy support and information, which is also available from our local careers centres.

We have a Mental Health resource to help employers support apprentices and a Mental Health resource designed for apprentices. These will help you to support your apprentices and all other employees.

You'll reap many benefits from delivering an apprenticeship contract.

1. You'll get funding to cover apprentice training costs.

2. Learning providers often build strong bonds with employers.

3. You'll help build Scotland's future workforce.

4. Your organisation will engage with harder-to-reach groups.

And remember, you'll get support and professional development from Skills Development Scotland every step of the way!

Learning providers come in all sizes – you could be a school, college, university, third-sector organisation or private business.

Led by employers and representatives from industry bodies across a range of sectors, the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board (SAAB) provides employer leadership and contribution to the development of apprenticeships in Scotland. This ensures they are aligned with industry and economic need, Fair Work and job opportunities.

The Board consists of four groups – a Group Board, Employer Engagement Group, Employer Equalities Group and Frameworks and Standards Group. Find out more about the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board

Employers can engage with learners throughout their journey on the programme. They can do this at key stages with varying levels of involvement.

The main employer involvement is the work placement for learners. Depending on the employer’s capacity this could be for one or more learners. It could take place virtually or in person.

Some Foundation Apprenticeships include projects rather than work placements. This is mainly on the Foundation Apprenticeships at SCQF Level 4/5, which are in pilot. Employers lead these projects and suggest the topics that will be covered.

The learning provider delivers the project with the Foundation Apprentices. The employers support the project by:

• commenting on the input from the learners

• offering encouragement and an insight into the world of work

• ensuring the project is up to date and relevant

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) funds Local Authority and Independent Learning Providers’ delivery of Foundation Apprenticeships. Foundation Apprenticeships that are delivered through colleges are funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).

A learning provider will deliver the classroom-based learning of a Foundation Apprenticeship.

As part of this, you'll support pupils through project work. You may also liaise with employers to help coordinate the work-based learning element of the Foundation Apprenticeship.

Learning providers play a vital role in guiding and assessing the apprentice's progress throughout the programme.

Foundation Apprenticeships are delivered by learning providers. They select young people to take part in the programme in partnership with learners’ school.

The learning provider liaises with employers to match each Foundation Apprentice with a suitable employer.

There are over 100 different Modern Apprenticeship types available to study at SCQF Level 4/5 up to SCQF Level 11.

Find out more about Modern Apprenticeships and how they could work for your business.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) administers the public sector's funding contribution. This goes towards the cost of training and assessing employees that employers wish to support, through an approved Modern Apprenticeship (MA) framework.

To become a Modern Apprentice, candidates should be at least statutory school leaving age and must have left school before they start the apprenticeship. Candidates can apply before they leave school or any time after that.

• Watch this Skills Development Scotland video explaining statutory school leaving age and eligibility for apprenticeships

• Find out more about Modern Appprenticeships – employers

• Find out more about Modern Apprenticeships – learning providers

Check our step-by-step guide to the process of becoming a Modern Apprentice learning provider.

There are 15 different Graduate Apprenticeship types available to study at SCQF Level 9 up to SCQF Level 11.

Find out more about Graduate Apprenticeships and how you could get involved as a learning provider.

Graduate Apprenticeships are now managed by the Scottish Funding Council. Graduate Apprentice learning costs are funded by the Scottish Funding Council and Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).

Funding covers the full duration of the programme. Graduate Apprentices will apply directly to SAAS for the funding.

The eligibility for the Graduate Apprenticeship programme is defined on the SAAS website.

Graduate Apprentices spend around 80% of their time in work and the other 20% with a university learning provider.

They'll usually spend four days per week at work and one day in university. Sometimes, their time will be split differently – meaning they'll need to do a certain amount of hours per month at university.

Basically, Graduate Apprentices are employees who spend some of their time studying.

Qualifications vary depending on the Graduate Apprenticeship. Check out all apprenticeship frameworks and filter to find Graduate Apprenticeships. Each one tells you about its unique entry requirements.

Every applicant should be assessed not just on formal qualifications but also existing work experience, during recruitment. The Graduate Apprenticeship is designed so that previous learning will not be repeated.

The decision on learner eligibility for a Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) will continue to be taken by the learning provider – the higher education institute or university. SAAS will not determine whether a learner is eligible.

As a learning provider, you'll advise the apprentice and employer on next steps when applying for SAAS. Find further guidance on the SAAS website.

Employers should continue to apply their standard GA recruitment process. However, since 2021 the employee is required to apply for Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding for tuition fees. The employer should build in some extra time for this step.

Employers should continue to apply their standard Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) recruitment process. However, since 2021 the employee is required to apply for Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding for tuition fees. The employer should build in some extra time for this step.

The decision on learner eligibility for a GA will continue to be taken by the learning provider – the higher education institute or university. SAAS will not determine whether a learner is eligible.

The learning provider will advise the apprentice and employer on next steps when applying for SAAS. Find further guidance on the  SAAS website.

Graduate Apprentices may be able to suspend studies for up to 12 months. If the suspension is longer than 12 months, the learning provider will need to re-register the apprentice as part of a new cohort.

The apprentice may be eligible for accelerated entry into the programme based on the level of prior learning achieved.

The apprentice must still be in employment and their employer must agree to support them through the remainder of the Graduate Apprenticeship programme.

There are two main ways to do this. You can get involved with apprenticeship development or you can request a change or addition. Either way there’s lots of support and information to guide you.

There are more than 100 apprenticeship types, or frameworks, covering hundreds of job roles. These include broad topic coverage to meet the needs of a diverse range of employers. If you’ve reviewed the available apprenticeships and can't find an apprenticeship to support your needs, we’re here to help. You can call our Employer Helpline on 0800 783 6000. If you’d like to ask for a change to an existing apprenticeship framework, or to suggest a new framework, you can request a change or addition.

We treat requests on a case-by-case basis and we aim to respond within 4 weeks. If your request is rejected we’ll explain our decision and advise you of any existing framework that could support your needs.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) administers the public sector's funding contribution. This goes towards the cost of training and assessing employees that employers wish to support, through an approved Modern Apprenticeship (MA) framework.

Graduate Apprenticeships are now managed by the Scottish Funding Council. Graduate Apprentice learning costs are funded by the Scottish Funding Council and Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).

Funding covers the full duration of the programme. Graduate Apprentices will apply directly to SAAS for the funding.

The eligibility for the Graduate Apprenticeship programme is defined on the SAAS website.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) funds Local Authority and Independent Learning Providers’ delivery of Foundation Apprenticeships. Foundation Apprenticeships that are delivered through colleges are funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).

Employers should continue to apply their standard Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) recruitment process. However, since 2021 the employee is required to apply for Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding for tuition fees. The employer should build in some extra time for this step.

The decision on learner eligibility for a GA will continue to be taken by the learning provider – the higher education institute or university. SAAS will not determine whether a learner is eligible.

The learning provider will advise the apprentice and employer on next steps when applying for SAAS. Find further guidance on the  SAAS website.

Modern and Graduate Apprentices will be just like any other employee of a business, so the employer pays their wages. It’s good practice for employers to pay a salary that attracts the best people – find out more about the Living Wage. Remember employers must meet National Minimum Wage guidelines for apprentices.

The apprentice should also have full access to any facilities or benefits that you provide for other staff.

Learners can apply for funding for a Graduate Apprenticeship in a similar subject area if their existing qualification is at a lower SCQF level.

They may also be eligible for funding if they have a similar level of qualification, but in a different subject area.

No. Scotland and England have different administrative arrangements for funding apprenticeships.

Just like any other employee, a Modern or Graduate Apprentice would normally pay their own way to and from work.

However, if they have to travel to college or the learning provider’s premises, you might pay some or all of their travel expenses.

Learners who already hold a degree qualification may still be eligible to apply and be awarded for Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding. Each university can advise on the funding criteria for individual situations.

Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding only applies to learners starting their Graduate Apprenticeship from the 2021/22 academic year and beyond. These learners will generally commence from August 2021 onwards. SAAS funding applications are not required for Graduate Apprentices who commenced their Graduate Apprenticeship before April 2021.

Yes, you can add multiple positions in different locations in one advert.

If the positions are all for the same role and at the same location, you can also treat it as one vacancy. Please remember to state the number of positions in your advert.

We sometimes change a job title in the search results to help candidates find the vacancy and understand what it involves. However, the actual job title of your vacancy won’t change.

If you choose, you can hide the employer’s information in the vacancy advert. However, we don’t recommend this; it’s helpful if apprentices know as much as possible about the job they’re applying for.

Whether you choose to include or hide the details in the advert, you need to include employer information when you upload the vacancy to Apprenticeships.scot so we know who is advertising the role.

We can accept png and jpeg files. The logo dimensions should be a minimum of 300 pixels wide and 300 pixels high and the file size shouldn’t exceed 500Kb.

There’s no bulk upload facility. However, it’s easy to clone vacancies – this is a good way to speed things up when you have lots of vacancies to upload.

Yes, it's great if employers can respond to all candidates - those who apply and those who make it to an interview. Some people might be applying for their first job, or it could be their dream role, so any feedback helps them for next time. It also shows your business in a positive light.

We rarely reject a vacancy – if we do it’s usually because it doesn’t qualify under the apprenticeship rules. If we have any doubts or concerns, we’ll try to phone you first to clarify these issues.

If the vacancy is rejected we’ll email you explaining why, to your registered email address. If you don’t see it in your inbox, check your spam or junk folder.

You can log in to your Apprenticeships.scot dashboard to find the status of your vacancies. Any that have been declined won't appear on your dashboard. You’ll be able to upload and re-submit the vacancy if any errors caused it to be declined.

Have a look at our handy employers’ guide to vacancies on our

Employers page

Employers should continue to apply their standard Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) recruitment process. However, since 2021 the employee is required to apply for Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding for tuition fees. The employer should build in some extra time for this step.

The decision on learner eligibility for a GA will continue to be taken by the learning provider – the higher education institute or university. SAAS will not determine whether a learner is eligible.

The learning provider will advise the apprentice and employer on next steps when applying for SAAS. Find further guidance on the  SAAS website.

If you are making an apprentice redundant, your apprentices can get support and advice from our PACE team on 0800 917 8000. My World of Work has employment and redundancy support and information, which is also available from our local careers centres.

We have a Mental Health resource to help employers support apprentices and a Mental Health resource designed for apprentices. These will help you to support your apprentices and all other employees.