Apprenticeships in Scotland

Whether you're at school and looking to start a foundation apprenticeship, ready for a modern apprenticeship, or want to pursue further education with a graduate apprenticeship, there's an option to suit your needs and goals

Types of apprenticeships in Scotland

Apprenticeships offer individuals the chance to earn a nationally recognised qualification while gaining practical experience through on-the-job training.Ìý

• Foundation apprenticeships - equip secondary school pupils with workplace experience as they complete their National 5s and Highers.Ìý
• Modern apprenticeships - aimed at individuals aged 16 and older.Ìý
• Graduate apprenticeships - allow apprentices to pursue studies up to the Masters level.Ìý

See the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) for a comparison of Scottish apprenticeship qualifications with other Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs).Ìý

View all available Scottish apprenticeship subjects at APPRENTICESHIPS.SCOT - Explore frameworks.Ìý

For more general information, visit what is an apprenticeship?Ìý

Foundation apprenticeships

Aimed at those still at school, foundation apprenticeships (FAs) allow you to earn a qualification alongside your National 5s and Highers (equivalent to GCSEs and AS-levels). This means you'll graduate with a well-rounded skillset.Ìý

Typically starting in S5, FAs span two years. During this time, students take time out of the classroom to gain workplace experience and progress towards an SCQF-recognised qualification.Ìý

Subject areasÌý

FAs are offered in the following three subjects at SCQF Levels 4/5:Ìý

• automotiveÌý
• constructionÌý
• hospitality.Ìý

They are also available in 12 subjects at SCQF Level 6:

• accountancyÌý
• business skillsÌý
• civil engineeringÌý
• creative and digital mediaÌý
• engineeringÌý
• financial servicesÌý
• food and drink technologiesÌý
• hardware and system supportÌý
• scientific technologiesÌý
• social services - children and young peopleÌý
• social services and healthcareÌý
• software development.Ìý

Entry requirementsÌý

To start an FA, you'll need to be in the fifth or sixth year of secondary school and have an interest in the relevant sector. You should also possess good English and communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with others.Ìý

Upon completing an FA, students are well-positioned to advance to the next stage of their career. This could involve enrolling in an MA, entering the workforce directly, or pursuing further education.Ìý

Several Scottish universities, including Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Glasgow, currently accept FAs as an entry requirement for specific courses.Ìý

Foundation apprenticeship salaryÌý

Foundation apprenticeships in Scotland are unpaid. However, theycan lead to other career paths, such as:

• direct employmentÌý
• modern apprenticeshipsÌý
• graduate level apprenticeshipsÌý
• college or university.

Modern apprenticeships

According to Skills Development Scotland's (SDS) Modern Apprenticeship Statistics 2024/25, 12,146 modern apprenticeships (MAs) were started by the end of September 2024.Ìý

These apprenticeships have proven to be a credible alternative to university, offering candidates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while earning a wage and pursuing an industry-relevant qualification. In fact, 96% MA graduates would recommend an apprenticeship to other people.Ìý

Subject areasÌý

There are over one hundred MAs available across a range of sectors, including:

• accountingÌý
• agricultureÌý
• automotiveÌý
• business administrationÌý
• constructionÌý
• digital marketingÌý
• financeÌý
• healthcareÌý
• ITÌý
• retail.Ìý

To discover the range of MA subjects currently available, visit APPRENTICESHIPS.SCOT - Modern apprenticeships.Ìý

Entry requirementsÌý

You are eligible to start an MA once you have reached the Scottish statutory minimum school leaving age, which for most is 16.Ìý

The specific qualifications needed will vary depending on your employer and apprenticeship. However, most require three or more National 4s. If you have additional qualifications or skills in a specialised field, you may be able to begin at a higher level.Ìý

Modern apprenticeship salaryÌý

As an MA candidate, you will be paid for your work. The apprentice wage applies to individuals under 19 and/or in their first year of an MA, and is:Ìý

• £6.40 per hour if you're under 19, and/or in the first year of your MA.Ìý
• £8.60 per hour as you advance into your second year if you're aged 19 or 20, or the National Living Wage (NLW) of £11.44 if you're 21 and over.Ìý

Read more about pay for apprentices at GOV.UK - National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates.Ìý

Many of Scotland's largest employers, such as Babington, Lantra Scotland, NHS (National Health Service) Scotland a²Ô»å Scottish Water, offer MAs.Ìý

Graduate apprenticeships

Graduate apprenticeships (GAs) offer work-based learning and study up to Masters level.Ìý

Employers and higher education institutions collaborate to shape GAs around the needs of the industry. This ensures that everything you learn and practice while becoming qualified is directly relevant to boosting your career prospects.  ÌýÌý

Subject areas

There are 11 types of GA in a variety of subjects, including:Ìý

• accountingÌý
• business management (including financial services)Ìý
• civil engineeringÌý
• construction and the built environmentÌý
• cyber securityÌý
• data scienceÌý
• early learning and childhoodÌý
• engineering: design and manufactureÌý
• engineering: instrumentation, measurement and controlÌý
• IT: management for businessÌý
• IT: software development.Ìý

Read more about these at APPRENTICESHIPS.SCOT - Graduate apprenticeships.

Entry requirementsÌý

To be eligible for a GA, you must:Ìý

• be a resident of ScotlandÌý
• be working on a premises in ScotlandÌý
• have the legal right to live and work in ScotlandÌý
• be over the age of 16. However, some workplaces may have a minimum age requirement of 18 due to health and safety regulations.Ìý

There is no upper age limit for enrolling in a GA, making these programmes suitable for adult apprentices as well.

If you already have a degree or are currently employed, you are still eligible for a GA. Consult with your employer to explore the opportunities available to you.Ìý

Graduate apprenticeship salaryÌý

The apprentice wage you get will be paid for by your employer, and legally this must be above the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for your age group - see GOV.UK - NMW rates.Ìý

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) recommends that GA salaries are kept in line with the National Living Wage (NLW), which is currently £11.44 for those aged 18 and over.Ìý

Your learning costs will be funded by the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for the full duration of your course at no cost to the employer. This means that you'll manage your tuition fees directly with SAAS and your learning provider, with no employer involvement required.Ìý

Find out more

• Discover how to apply for an apprenticeship.
• Explore the latest apprenticeship vacancies in Scotland.
• Read SDS's FAQs for current and potential apprentices.