How it works

Eligibility: Open to anyone aged 16 or over who is in employment and has a contract of employment with their employer. Apprentices must be in a role that allows them to develop the skills, knowledge and experience required to complete their chosen apprenticeship framework.

If you are on our Business and Administration (SCQF Level 5) framework you must also be under the age of 25 at the start of your apprenticeship.

Duration: 12 months to 4 years, depending on the framework. Learning is designed to be flexible, with aspects of learning completed at times that fit around work and personal commitments.

Support: Our dedicated Training Co-ordinators work in partnership with employers, lecturers and assessors to provide ongoing support from recruitment through to successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Apprentices meet with their Training Co-ordinator every 13 weeks for formal progress reviews, helping to track development, celebrate achievements and identify any additional support required. You also meet regularly with trained assessors who provide guidance and feedback both on campus and in the workplace, ensuring a wraparound support experience.

Additional learning support is available where required, including IT support and access to our student services service. 

A key part of our approach is working collaboratively with employers. Support for employers can range from advice during recruitment and onboarding, to guidance around workplace experiences, evidence gathering and apprentice development. Our team can also help match apprentices to the most suitable framework and provide support at every stage of the apprenticeship journey.

How apprenticeship funding works?

Funding for a Modern Apprenticeship is linked to the apprentice rather than the employer. This means that if you change jobs during your apprenticeship, you may be able to continue your apprenticeship journey, provided your new employer can support the requirements of the apprenticeship framework.

For more information visit > Funding for employers of apprentices (apprenticeships.scot)

How are Apprenticeships assessed?

Some frameworks also contain an enhancement that apprentices must complete alongside their qualification.  Throughout the process apprentices will be assessed using:

  • Portfolios: You have access to a user-friendly, electronic portfolio to store your evidence, assessment plans, units, feedback, and guidance.
  • Professional discussions: This is an exploratory conversation between you and your assessor.
  • Practical assessments: Complete tasks based on your technical skills, which may sometimes be done in a simulated environment.
  • Observations: Your assessor will watch you perform activities to check your competency.
  • Written tests: Tests may include open book, closed book, or multiple-choice. These can also include industry-specific tests or psychometric assessments.
  • Projects: Tasks set by your college or employer to show how well you can apply your theoretical knowledge in practice.
  • Reflective Practice: A personal record of your experiences, skills and understanding, which forms part of your portfolio.
  • Presentations: Use visual aids to explain concepts and showcase your understanding.

Apprentices will also gain core and meta skills including numeracy, problem solving and confidence.  These skills are both transferable and technical, ensuring that you can adapt and succeed no matter the challenge.