If you'd like to recruit a Modern Apprentice - or offer a Modern Apprenticeship to existing staff, contact Skills Development Scotland

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

What do they offer?
Every employer wants to know they are recruiting highly capable, motivated people, and with the Modern Apprenticeship framework you have the added benefit of high quality training to industry-recognised standards. The framework also offers training that is as broad as it is flexible, meaning that not only are your employees learning skills that are important to the whole sector, but the actual training programme is adaptable enough to suit your company's specific requirements. Last but not least, you will receive financial support for your Modern Apprentices through the Skillseekers initiative.

What qualifications are 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 SVQ's, industry-specific qualifications or academic qualifications such as Higher National Certificates and Diplomas.

Who pays for all this?
Modern Apprenticeships can be funded by Skilld Development Scotland through Skillseekers. This entitles those over 16 to funding to help pay for training which will lead to a SVQ.
Funding is agreed locally with each employer and, although the government will contribute, you will have to meet the cost of wages and contribute to some training costs.

What's in it for my firm?
As an employer, the benefits of Modern Apprenticeships are many and varied. As well as creating a more responsive, motivated workforce through broader, transferable skills and self-learning, you may also reduce your staff turnover by the implementation of career progression plans. National standards and qualifications will also serve to increase customer confidence, while hands-on training and development will impact favourably on your productivity.

Employers have identified a need for a new, high-quality vocational training route to create the skilled workforce of tomorrow, and Modern Apprenticeships aim to meet this demand.

What organisations are involved?
The success of Modern Apprenticeships is dependent on the contribution of key partners in the Enterprise Networks, education, training and industry.

National Training Organisations
Modern Apprenticeship frameworks are developed by the National Training Organisations (NTOs) who represent that industry in consultation with employers to ensure the framework is relevant to their needs. NTOs aim to enhance the competitive ability of companies in their sector by developing more highly skilled employees. They are responsible for identifying key skills needs and training requirements in their sectors. They promote the use of the national standards and work-based vocational qualifications (SVQs) and provide services and advice locally, to employers and individuals.

Careers Scotland
Careers Scotland offers young people support in securing the right career option. The organisation ensures young people have information about the range of Modern Apprenticeships available. Modern Apprenticeship opportunities vary depending on the area in Scotland where the young person lives and the mix of industries in that area.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS)
SDS is responsible for the funding, management and administration of Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland. It is also responsible for ensuring that the training offered through Modern Apprenticeships is of a high quality.

How do I find out more about the thinking behind the programme?
For more detail you can download an overview document on Modern Apprenticeships.