Apprenticeships have been central to passing on skills from generation to generation for centuries
Modern Apprenticeships have been supporting people to work, learn and earn for 30 years while boosting the bottom line for employers across the country.
The first Modern Apprenticeship frameworks – or types of apprenticeship – were created in 1995 by Scottish Enterprise in conjunction with partners and employers.
Since then, tens of thousands of young people each year have developed skills employers want and the economy needs.
Since 2008, Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland have been administered by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Scotland’s national skills body.
Chair of SDS, Frank Mitchell said: “Apprenticeships are made to support individuals, employers and Scotland’s economy, by offering high quality opportunities for people to gain valuable skills that support them throughout their career and meet industry demands now and for the future.
“Modern Apprenticeships are giving people from diverse backgrounds, including those from areas of social deprivation, the opportunity to get into meaningful and fulfilling employment.”
Chief Executive of the Scottish Training Federation, Stuart McKenna, was part of the original creation of frameworks in 1995.
There are now around 80 Modern Apprenticeship frameworks covering hundreds of different job types.
He said: “Modern Apprenticeships are as crucial to the economy now as they were then – if not more important.
“Working with employers and partners, training providers want to see Scotland’s apprenticeship system grow and thrive for the next thirty years and beyond.”
Since 2008, businesses have created more than 400,000 Modern Apprenticeship jobs.
Modern Apprenticeship training is funded and administered by SDS on behalf of the Scottish Government.
SDS works with employers to develop apprenticeships, to ensure they meet industry needs and that apprentices develop the right skills for now and the future.
This includes a major programme of apprenticeship redevelopment, placing employers and employees at the heart of reviewing and redesigning existing standards and frameworks for their sector.
The agency also worked with partners to develop and introduce innovations such as Foundation Apprenticeships and Graduate Apprenticeships.
Modern Apprenticeships are jobs for people over 16 so they can work, earn and learn.
Foundation Apprenticeships are for school pupils to provide work-based learning pathways and learning at a similar level to a Higher.
While Graduate Apprenticeships mean getting a job, getting paid and getting qualified up to Master’s degree level.
Employers across Scotland, from family firms to multi-nationals, continue to benefit from apprenticeships securing the skills their businesses need.
Human Resources Manager at Aberdeenshire civil engineering and construction firm W M Donald, Rachel O’Donnell, said: “Apprenticeships are central to our success. They’ve contributed to our impressive turnover and play a crucial role in ensuring we have a diverse and sustainable talent pipeline.”
Apprentice Coordinator at GE Aerospace in Ayrshire, Aidan McIntyre, said: “Apprentices bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that help retain a competitive edge.
“When you combine that energy with the experience you already have, it’s a cocktail for success.”
Senior Project Manager at Scottish Water Horizons, Ian Piggott, said: “Employing apprentices gives Scottish Water a chance to build for the future, match our training to specific roles and create resilience.”
Owner and Operations Director at Proterra Energy in Inverness, Terry Stebbings, said: “Apprenticeships are a great way to bring new talent into our company and train them to match our business needs.”
Capability Manager at global firm Diageo, Rhoda Gabellone, said: “Modern Apprenticeships help us build a highly skilled talent pipeline in particular areas of engineering that are unique to our business.
“Apprentices bring a fresh perspective and help us keep pace with technological advances.”
Community Benefits Manager at Perth-based fenestration firm Sidey Solutions, Donna Montgomery, said: “Apprenticeships are an ideal way for us to bring new talent into our business, allowing us to invest in and build our own talent pool of professionally qualified and committed employees.
“We haven’t looked back since introducing apprenticeships.
“It was becoming more difficult to recruit, and it was crucial to address this potential risk to our business. We knew we had to grow our installer team and replenish the skillset we depend on.
“Sidey was established in 1932. If we want to be around for another 93 years, we need apprentices to take the business forward.”
Find out more at:
apprenticeships.scot/employer
