Modern Apprenticeship programme rules
On this page, you’ll find the key documents required to deliver Modern Apprenticeships (MAs), including the MA Programme Conditions and MA Programme Specification.
These essential documents will support you to deliver the programme confidently and in line with SDS requirements.
The MA Conditions and MA Specification have been reviewed and updated with effective date as of 1 April 2026.
Please read the version history in each document for all the updates.
Modern Apprenticeship programme rules
These documents cover the programme Conditions, Specification, Appendices 1 to 3 and essential information for delivering Modern Apprenticeships (MAs).
Modern Apprenticeships – Programme Conditions, 2026-27 (PDF) — the legal terms and conditions you'll adhere to as part of your Modern Apprenticeship contract
Modern Apprenticeships – Programme Specification, 2026-27 (PDF) — the legal document that sets out how to deliver the Modern Apprenticeship contract
Appendix 1 – MA Contribution Table, January 2026 (PDF) — browse the funding contribution you'll receive for apprentices across different frameworks, SCQF levels and age groups
Appendix 2 – MA Frameworks by Occupational Grouping and Age, January 2026 (Word) — learn how we match apprenticeship frameworks and age groups to the relevant sectors
Appendix 3 – Payment Plan Milestone Evidence, January 2026 (Excel) — find out more about MA framework payment plans
Automotive Maintenance Payment Plan Guidance, September 2025 (Excel) — discover payment plan details for delivering the Automotive Modern Apprenticeship framework
Modern Apprenticeship Conditions and Specification – Frequently asked questions, December 2025 (PDF) — find answers to the questions we hear most often about the Modern Apprenticeship Conditions and Specification
Looking for Equality funding?
You'll find forms and guidance to apply for Enhanced Funding, or funding that'll support the New Scots Incentive (NSI) and Ethnic Intersectionality Incentive (EII), on our Equality and diversity forms and funding page.
Searching for planning, goal-setting and progress documents?
You'll find the Summary of Achievement Record and Progress Review Exemplars on the Learning and assessment planning page.
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GDPR for learning providers
Find out what you have to do as a learning provider to comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).