What types of apprenticeships in Scotland are there?
There are three types of apprenticeships in Scotland, with each type representing a different training level – Foundation, Modern and Graduate.
Foundation apprenticeships
Foundation apprenticeships are the first level of apprenticeship available in Scotland. They are designed to help students who are still at school – in S5 or S6 - to gain industry experience. These apprenticeships are not paid and are taken alongside National 5s and Highers.
What do I need to apply for a foundation apprenticeship?
As you will still be in Year 5 or 6, no qualifications are needed for foundation apprenticeship applications. The number of subjects or job sectors available will vary from school to school. Ask your school careers adviser for more information or use the Apprenticeships.Scot website to check what is available at your school.
How will a foundation apprenticeship develop my career?
A foundation apprenticeship is an ideal way to experience the world of work for the first time. You will gain skills, experience, knowledge, and a vocational qualification. When you leave school, you will have more options available to you, and if you apply for a modern apprenticeship, your foundation apprenticeship experience will help your application.
Employers are likely to view you more favourably, because you have shown commitment to your chosen field by undertaking accredited work-based learning. You have real-world industry experience to offer, which other candidates might not have.
Past apprentices have said how a foundation apprenticeship has helped close the gap between the classroom and the workplace.
How many foundation apprenticeships are available?
There are 12 foundation apprenticeships available at SCQF Level 6, including Accountancy, Civil Engineering, Financial Services, Creative and Digital Media and Scientific Technologies. Three subjects are available at level 4/5 - Automotive, Construction and Hospitality.
How old do I have to be?
Foundation apprenticeships are open to student in year 5 and 6 at school, who are taking their National 5s and Highers.
Modern apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships are the second level of apprenticeship available in Scotland. They are designed to help school leavers, or those aged 16 and over, to gain skills, experience and qualifications in a chosen industry.
Modern apprenticeships also offer a salary!
What do I need to apply for a modern apprenticeship?
Applicants for Modern Apprenticeship positions would be expected to have three or more National 4 passes, or Standard Grades at general level. Some employers may ask for passes in specific subjects related to the job.
How will a modern apprenticeship develop my career?
Successfully completing a modern apprenticeship is a great first step in the world of work. You will have gained significant experience in your industry sector, added a highly respected qualification to your CV and built up a network of useful professional contacts. You can decide whether to move onto a graduate apprenticeship, and there may be a role for you in the company in which you served your apprenticeship. Or you could see what vacancies there are elsewhere in your sector that could develop your skills further.
Did you know: According to Skills Development Scotland, six months after having completed their training, 92% of people who take Scottish modern apprenticeships stay in work.
How many modern apprenticeships are available?
There are over 100 modern apprenticeships available, including job roles in a wide range of industries, from healthcare and financial services to construction, engineering and digital media. There are four levels of accredited qualification that Modern Apprentices can achieve:
- Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF 5
- Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF 6/7
- Technical Apprenticeship at SCQF 8/9
- Professional Apprenticeship at SCQF 10
The format of training for modern apprenticeship frameworks are decided by the appropriate Sector Skills Council, offering employers integration of the apprenticeship within their business. There are Construction frameworks in areas such as Building, Civil Engineering, Technical and Plumbing and Heating.
How old do I have to be?
Modern apprenticeships are for school leavers or those aged 16 and over.
Graduate apprenticeships
Graduate apprenticeships are the highest level of apprenticeship available in Scotland. They are designed to give undergraduate students experience of the world of work, at the same time as taking a degree.
Graduate apprenticeships also offer a salary!
What do I need to apply for a graduate apprenticeship?
Entry requirements for a graduate apprenticeship are similar to those for an undergraduate degree and will vary by course and institution. Generally speaking, you will need to have completed a modern apprenticeship or your Highers. You will also need to be resident in Scotland and have the right to live and work in Scotland too.
Funding for Graduate Apprenticeships is available from Student Awards Agency Scotland.
How will a graduate apprenticeship develop my career?
Apprentices on a graduate apprenticeship put their academic learning into practice in real working situations and environments. These courses are unique to Scotland, so graduates will have a head start when it comes to entering the world of work right across the UK.
Apprentices get the best of both worlds – the ability to earn a salary and gain industry-recognised qualifications, while also being able to study, live and socialise on campus. Most of your time will be spent in the workplace, but there will still be time to have a ‘university experience’.
How many graduate apprenticeships are available?
At the latest count there were graduate apprenticeships available in 14 different subjects (Apprenticeships.Scot), including Accountancy, Civil Engineering, Business Management, Construction and the Built Environment and Data Science. Scottish universities and colleges and the Scottish government are working together to increase access to Graduate Apprenticeships in Scotland.
How old do I have to be?
Graduate apprenticeships are for anyone aged 16 and over – however some courses may only accept students aged 18 or over due to health and safety requirements.
How long is an apprenticeship?
The three levels of apprenticeships take varying amounts of time to complete.
A foundation apprenticeship takes up to two years as part of a student’s last two years of schooling. A modern apprenticeship can take up to three years, and a graduate apprenticeship can take between three to five years, depending on the length of your degree course.
What apprenticeship can I do after leaving school?
School leavers can apply for foundation, modern or graduate apprenticeships so long as they meet the apprenticeship entry requirements.
· If you’ve finished your national 4/5s, you could take a foundation or modern apprenticeship. You could also stay on at school to complete your Highers.
· If you’ve already taken a foundation apprenticeship or you have your Highers, you could continue onto a modern or graduate apprenticeship.
You could also take a course at college or study for a degree at university. Alternatively, you could take a training course or do on-the-job training. Check out Skills Development Scotland for more help.
How do I apply for an apprenticeship in Scotland?
If you think an apprenticeship is right for you, and you live in Scotland, visit the Apprenticeships.scot website for more details about the various apprenticeship levels, entry requirements, case studies and to search for vacancies.