Take on an apprentice

Apprenticeships make your business thrive. We offer free, expert advice to show you how.

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Modern Apprentice Anna stands in front of a plane at the National Museum of Flight
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Unlock the potential in your business

Apprenticeships are the key to creating confident, qualified employees with the skills you need.

Plus, we work with employers to make sure they meet the needs of Scottish industries. So your staff will always be up to the job – now, and for whatever comes your way in the future.

Here's how apprenticeships benefit you:

  • Because we contribute to the cost of training, you’ll save money
  • There are three different types of apprenticeship, to fit around your needs as an employer
  • Skills gaps or skills shortages? Apprenticeships are designed to meet them. So you’ll be better prepared for the future
  • They allow you to develop new and existing employees within your talent pipeline planning process
  • Apprenticeships span many industries and job roles – so that you can access training that’s relevant to your business

Which apprenticeship fits your business?

There are three different types of Scottish apprenticeship, which makes them flexible to fit with your business needs. The table below shows you how they differ.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Apprentice age:
Normally 15 - 18
Suitable for:
School pupils
Qualification level:
SCQF 6, same as a Higher
Duration:
Normally over two academic years
What happens?
Pupils spend most of their time at college, but get work experience with you
Work with:
College or local authorities, linking your business with local schools
Funding:
We support pupils with travel expenses
You offer:
Great work-based learning experience and support to achieve a recognised qualification
You get:
To help shape the future workforce to build the right skills for the workplace
Find out more about FAs

Modern Apprenticeships

Apprentice age:
16 +
Suitable for:
New and existing employees
Qualification level:
From SCQF level 5 right up to Professional Apprenticeships at SCQF level 11/12
Duration:
Can range from a year to four years depending on the framework
What happens?
Employees spend most of their time with you, learning on the job. They may do additional training at work or externally
Work with:
Training providers, who help you work out the best way for employees to work towards their qualification
Funding:
We contribute to the costs of training for apprentices aged 16-24, and 25+ for some frameworks
You offer:
A great job, plus an industry-recognised qualification
You get:
Well trained, motivated staff with the right level of skills and qualifications
Find out more about MAs

Graduate Level Apprenticeships

Apprentice age:
16 +
Suitable for:
New and existing employees
Qualification level:
Currently available at SCQF level 8 (DipHE) and SCQF 10 (Honours degree)
Duration:
From 2-4 years, depending on the level of qualification and programme of study
What happens?
Employees spend the majority of time with you in the workplace. Their learning is supported by a university or college
Work with:
Universities or colleges, linking your business with higher education
Funding:
For 2017 starts, we pay the learning costs for the duration of the course
You offer:
A great job and a degree
You get:
Industry ready graduates who understand your business
Find out more about GLAs

Success stories

More than 14,000 Scottish businesses already employ, or work with, apprentices. Find out what they had to say about their experience.

FA Foundation Apprenticeship

Craigie House care home

Angela Smith | Manager

'It’s not just a way of bringing fresh ideas in. It’s also a way of shaping the training of the young people of the future.'

MA Modern Apprenticeships

Tulloch Developments

George Smith | Director

'Ours is an industry that needs new people. We need new blood, new ideas. Apprentices can start at the bottom and end at the top.'

GLA Graduate Level Apprenticeships

CGI

Maggie Morrison | Director

'We would really encourage more organisations to embark on this, and take on Graduate Level Apprentices.'

Get in touch

We'll help you figure out how apprenticeships fit in to your business. Our experts provide advice and support tailored to you – and it's completely free of charge. Just fill in the form and we'll get back to you.

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