Who are they for?
Modern Apprenticeships are aimed at those over 16 years old and wishing to complete a Vocational Qualification at Level 3 or above.

What do they offer?
As a Modern Apprentice you will be employed from the very start of your training and receive a wage from your employer. You will then be given the chance to develop expertise and knowledge through on-the-job assessment as well as gaining vital skills such as team work and problem solving. Many Modern Apprentices also attend colleges or training centres to study the theory relating to their chosen occupation. To make sure the combination of theory and practice is right for you a Training Agreement will be drawn up that is unique to you. Through your Training Agreement, you, your employer are committed to your development. With the right combination of theory and practice your career will be on track and you will gain a nationally recognised, high level qualification - a SVQ at Level 3.

What will the training consist of - and what qualifications will be available?
Although each Modern Apprenticeship framework is specific to a particular industry or sector, they are all made up of three parts:

SVQ Level Three:
The occupational SVQ/NVQs for the sector at Level 3 are the core of every framework. Some frameworks may specify progression routes, which allow apprentices to work towards a Level 2 initially, and then progress to the Level 3 and possibly even Level 4 SVQ.

Core Skills:
Everyone, regardless of the job they are doing, needs certain skills which help them to become a more flexible employee, able to adapt to constantly changing work situations. These skills are known as Core Skills and are:
     Communication
     Working With Others 
     Numeracy
     Information Technology
     Problem Solving

Additional Components:
To encourage employee development and broaden training, some Modern Apprenticeships also contain additional components that vary from industry to industry. They may include additional units from other SVQs, industry-specific qualifications or academic qualifications such as Higher National Certificates and Diplomas.

Who pays for all this?
The money to pay for your training comes from the Skillseekers initiative, so don't worry, neither you nor your family will have to pay training fees. Modern Apprentices are employed and paid wages, with the majority of Modern Apprentices paid the going rate for the job.

What's in it for me?
What better incentive when you are training than to know that you are being paid a wage, and that you are in the job because you've chosen it? Add to that the security of knowing your progress is being monitored and supported by your employer, and that you are working towards a nationally recognised qualification. Good news all round!

How can I find out more?
If you think a Modern Apprenticeship could be the right choice for you, speak to your Careers Adviser or Guidance Teacher or contact your local Careers Scotland centrefor details. You will be able to discuss all the options and find out what you can achieve through Modern Apprenticeship training.

Alternatively, if you are already employed, ask your employer if he or she is interested in running Modern Apprenticeships.