An introduction to apprenticeships
Find out how apprenticeships work in Scotland and how they can benefit your business.
What's in it for you?
Introducing apprenticeships really can have a positive impact on your business. Just ask the 12,000 Scottish businesses who are currently benefiting from using them.
A 2019 Scottish Government employer survey found that 90% of those already using apprenticeships would continue to do so in the future. If that doesn’t encourage you to give them a try then maybe the fact that they can be partially or fully funded by skills development Scotland will.
You can use an apprenticeship to:
- improve productivity
- up-skill existing employees
- fill skill gaps
- prepare for future skill needs
- save recruitment costs.
How does it work?
There are three types of apprenticeship that are available to use in Scotland. Take a look and see what one might work for you.
Foundation Apprenticeships
College or school students. Foundation apprentices will work either two afternoons or one full day in your business, amounting to a 30 day period. Get access to new talent and generate interest in your industry. Cost: no wages or cost.
Modern Apprenticeships
These apprenticeships are for new or existing staff looking to gain a qualification whilst earning a wage. There are over 80 different types of apprenticeship available at this level. You’ll pay the employee's wage but Skills Development Scotland will pay for up to 50% of the training cost.
Graduate Apprenticeships
There are 12 different types of graduate apprenticeships available, and they consist of 80% work and 20% study. Cost: You’ll pay the employee's wage but Skills Development Scotland will cover the full training costs.
Get started
Find out more about how apprenticeships work in Scotland and get support to take on your own.