Investing in the Future: Modern Apprenticeships

By theorkneynews on March 6, 2018 • ( 1 Comment )

This is Apprenticeship Week and across Scotland events are taking place to highlight what is on offer. The full list of events can be found here.

Kirkwall Grammar School will be giving its students an opportunity to see what an apprenticeship could do for them on Wednesday 7th March with local businesses and Further Education information available.

The Modern Apprenticeship Scheme is a great success with 37,000 engaged in the process:

“91% of apprentices still in employment six months after completing their Modern Apprenticeship; and 96% of employers say former apprentices are better equipped to do their job.” Apprenticeships

It is hoped that there will be 27,000 new Modern Apprenticeship starts by the end of 2018.

The Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Damien Yeates said:

“Scottish Apprenticeship Week is the ideal time for employers, young people and parents to find out more about the range of apprenticeships on offer.

“And the Year of Young People is the ideal time to hold Scotland’s first apprenticeship conference by apprentices for young people. The event will be Scotland’s biggest celebration of apprentices, showcasing the talent and achievements of young people who choose to work, learn and earn.”

There is a wide range of apprenticeships available. The Scottish Government is increasing the number of Modern Apprenticeships in the Early Learning and Childcare sector by 10% up to 2020 to enable the delivery of free early years provision.

Foundation apprenticeships start at school and can be taken in S5/S6 as a subject choice.

Modern Apprenticeships start at age 16 and involve over 80 different types of jobs where the MA will be paid at least the National Minimum Wage.

Graduate Apprenticeships have no upper age limit, however, both you and your place of work must be in Scotland. It can be done at the following places:

Edinburgh Napier University
Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow Kelvin College
Heriot – Watt University
The Open University
Queen Margaret University
Robert Gordon University
University of the West of Scotland
University of Dundee
University of Glasgow
University of Strathclyde
University of the Highlands and Islands

There is increased Scottish Government support for Apprenticeships places in rural areas and for key sectors of employment. 17 Local Authority areas can apply for this with Orkney being one of them. This recognises the increased costs to deliver apprenticeships in those areas.

Nicola Sturgeon,First Minister of Scotland said:

“Skills investment is a key contributor to our economic growth. That is why we have increased Skills Development Scotland’s funding by 7% to £193 million next year.

“We recognise the vital role skills can play in helping individuals realise their potential allowing our businesses to maximise growth opportunities both now and in future.

“Skills Development Scotland exists to create the conditions for businesses to increase productivity and growth, thereby helping deliver the skills that our people and economy need.”