Apprenticeships are a great way to bring new skills and talent into your business. They are a paid job that combines work with study, providing structured work-based training towards an industry approved qualification. Many businesses can access funding and grants to cover the cost of the qualification.
With different types of apprenticeships over hundreds of business sectors and qualifications, we can help you identify the right fit for your business.
Foundation apprenticeships
Foundation apprenticeships are a work-based learning opportunity for secondary school pupils, usually delivered in S5 or S6. Pupils spend time out of school at college or with a local employer, alongside other academic studies. They provide a mix of practical, hands-on experience in a workplace, along with structed off-the-job learning.
These apprenticeships offer industry-recognised qualifications and develop essential skills. They can lead to further progression into a modern apprenticeship, further education or employment.
There are currently 12 subjects including civil engineering, scientific technologies, software development, accountancy, food and drink technologies and financial services.
Modern apprenticeships
A modern apprenticeship is a job that allows people to earn a wage and gain the skills and experience required within a chosen sector without needing to study full-time. It provides structured work-based training towards in industry approved qualification. It is an alternative way for businesses to recruit and train new staff or upskill existing employees, allowing people to earn while they learn.
There are over 100 modern apprenticeship frameworks, from healthcare and financial services to construction and IT, which have been developed by Sector Skills Councils, in consultation with their industry. Apprentices can achieve qualifications at a variety of SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework) levels, from certificates at SCQF level 4/5 to level 11.
Graduate apprenticeships
Graduate apprenticeships are a way to upskill and develop existing workforce or bring new talent into your business. They support your people to increase their skills to industry and professional standards.
Providing a new way into degree-level study, people of any age can access them. Graduate apprenticeships spend around 80% of their time in the workplace and 20% at university, combining work and study, and allowing employees to earn while they learn. Choosing from 14 different types of apprenticeships, graduate apprentices will achieve an ordinary or master's degree on completion.
Apprenticeship costs
There is no cost to you as an employer when offering a foundation apprenticeship. Usually modern and graduate apprenticeship qualification costs are met by the Scottish Government through a recognised body. The only cost to an employer would be the apprentice's salary.
What's in it for my business?
- a structured way to measure staff training, personal development and performance
- staff are trained on the job to industry-recognised standards and gain accredited qualifications
- support with funding of accredited training costs
- investment of time in staff development contributes to low staff turnover
- prevents future skills gaps within your workforce
- demonstrates commitment to your corporate social responsibility.
Get in touch with the Edinburgh Guarantee team to find out more about how we can help you recruit an apprentice and connect you with apprenticeship training providers.
