Scottish Apprenticeships

What are apprenticeships and how do they work in Scotland?

You’ll often see apprenticeships being described as real jobs. They are real jobs with a company. An apprenticeship is an opportunity to start your career at age 16-18, immediately after finishing school.

Apprentices split their time between work and study. They learn on the job, working alongside fellow apprentices and experienced pros, but also attend college or university to gain nationally recognised qualifications.

In the past, people thought apprenticeships were just for plumbers, or associated with trade industries. Well, things have changed.

Apprenticeships have evolved and are now available in a wide range of different sectors, like accountancy, civil engineering and law.

Apprenticeships are now a real alternative to going to university. They’ll set you up for whatever career it is that you’re looking at. But how do they work in Scotland?

How many types of apprenticeships are there in Scotland?

There are three different types of apprenticeships in Scotland - foundation, modern and graduate. Each type is designed for students at different stages of their development.

Let’s break it down:

Foundation Apprenticeships

Foundation apprenticeships are designed to give you a taste of a career while you’re at school.

If you’re studying towards your Highers or Nationals 5, you can complete a foundation apprenticeship alongside your studies. It fits in around your other subjects.

You’ll have one or two days off during the week to work with an employer in your chosen field. On other occasions, your time off will be spent attending college.

After 1-2 years, you’ll finish your apprenticeship with work experience and extra qualifications that are equivalent to two Scottish Highers.

There are currently foundation apprenticeships available in the following subject areas:

• Accountancy

• Business Skills

• Civil Engineering

• Creative & Digital Media

• Engineering

• Financial Studies

• Food & Drink Technologies

• Hardware & System Support

• Scientific Technologies

• Social Services, Children & Young People

• Social Services & Healthcare

• Software Development.

Modern Apprenticeships

Modern apprenticeships are programmes that combine work and study. They allow 16 to 24-year-olds like you to work for an employer while studying towards industry-recognised qualifications at college.

There’s a wide range of qualifications on offer between SCQF 5, which is equivalent to National 5s, all the way up to SCQF 11, which is equivalent to a degree.

To qualify for a modern apprenticeship, you must have reached the Scottish statutory minimum school leaving age. That’s aged 16 for most people. And no longer be in full-time education.

You also have to be:

• Living in Scotland

• Not in full-time education

There are four different levels of modern apprenticeship:

• Modern apprenticeships at SCQF 5 (SVQ 2)

• Modern apprenticeships at SCQF 6/7 (SVQ 3)

• Technical apprenticeships at SCQF 8/9 (SVQ 4)

• Professional apprenticeships at SCQF 10 (SVQ 5).

Once you complete your modern apprenticeship, you can progress up the ladder and work towards higher qualifications.

For example, a modern apprentice at SCQF 6/7 (equivalent to Highers) can complete a graduate apprenticeship. By staying on the apprenticeship path, you could work towards a Master's degree!

Graduate Apprenticeships

Thinking about going to university? That’s fantastic. Getting a degree is a hoot. But did you know, you can get a degree without taking the traditional university path?

Graduate apprentices work full-time and study towards a degree on the side. They have the option of working towards a Bachelor’s or even a Master's degree.

It’s an alternative to the well-trodden path of going to university after finishing your Highers or Advanced Highers. A path that will give you 3-6 years of professional work experience and allow you to be ahead of your peers.

Graduate apprenticeships have been developed through a partnership between the higher/further education sectors and industry.

Each scheme is designed around the needs of industry. It’s a plan to help fill skills gaps in Scotland and inspire young people like you with a new route into key industries.

Can you apply?

• You must be aged 16 or above, but some require you to be 18 or above

• Be a Scottish resident

• Most require three or four National 4s

• Some employers also ask for a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) or Competency Based Qualification (CBQ).

• Not be in full-time education

• Have the right to live and work in Scotland.

What’s available?

• Accounting

• Business Management (including Financial Services)

• Civil Engineering

• Construction & the Built Environment

• Cyber Security

• Data Science

• Early Learning & Childcare

• Engineering: Design & Manufacture

• Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement & Control

• IT: Management for Business

• IT: Software Development.

Which universities offer Graduate Apprenticeships?

• University of the Highlands and Islands

• Glasgow Caledonian University

• Robert Gordon University

• Glasgow Kelvin College

• Heriot-Watt University

• Edinburgh Napier University

• University of the West of Scotland

• University of Dundee

• University of Strathclyde.

How much will you get paid?

One of the great things about apprenticeships is the pay. We’re here to spill the beans.

In fact, Glasgow was crowned 6th for the highest paying apprenticeship locations.

If you choose to do an apprenticeship, you’ll receive a full salary, just like you would for a regular job. Apprentices are paid for the duration of their scheme and get a minimum of 20 days of paid holiday each year.

As an apprentice, you’ll be paid for:

• Your normal working hours

• Any training that’s included in your programme

• Extra courses you might have to take, for example, maths and English.

Your salary depends on your employer and level. But all apprentices receive at least the National Minimum Wage, which changes every year, so make sure you check that out.

What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

More and more young people are choosing to do apprenticeships. That’s because doing an apprenticeship has real benefits.

Here are FIVE of them:

1. When you complete an apprenticeship, you’ll gain impressive qualifications. Those qualifications are broken down above, and range from SCQF 2-11, all the way up to a Master's degree.

2. Apprentices get to work alongside experienced professionals. No matter if you’re a foundation, modern or graduate apprentice, you’ll be working alongside people who have worked in your chosen field for several years. Not only will it be a wonder for your development, but it will give you an idea of where you could be in five or ten years in the future.

3. Apprentices earn while they learn. Earning pennies and pounds is the first step towards independence. And this is a chance to do just that. Finish school. Jump straight into your career. Earn. Learn.

4. Doing an apprenticeship is a really positive first step on the career ladder. The combination of practical work experience, qualifications and specialist training will set you up for a career, straight after finishing school.

5. You aren’t guaranteed a job at the end of the programme, but 85% stay with their employer after their apprenticeship. Even if you don’t stay on, you’ll be highly employable. Companies will be fighting over you like you’re the last piece of garlic bread.

How to apply

Applying for an apprenticeship is similar to applying for a regular job. You’ll fill out an application form, and need to send in a CV and cover letter.

The application processes for apprenticeships do vary from apprenticeship to apprenticeship. It depends on the type of scheme you’re applying for, and the employer, too.

When to apply

The majority of applications open in January or February. This is for programmes that begin in September. Some larger companies begin advertising even earlier.

Smaller businesses often begin advertising their roles only a month or two before the scheme starts. That means there will be a lot of foundation and modern apprenticeships going live in March and April in the lead up to September.