Modern apprenticeships - frequently asked questions

What is a Modern Apprenticeship?
Modern Apprenticeships offer paid employment combined with the opportunity to train for jobs at craft, technician and management level.  They are an exciting way of gaining skills and qualifications that will help to start a career without having to study full-time, and are available across a wide range of industries. Designed to help create a high-calibre workforce, Modern Apprenticeships are supported by the Confederation of Business and Industry, the Trade Union Congress and a wide range of employers.  Modern Apprenticeship frameworks are developed by the industry or sector in which they will be implemented and therefore encompass all the skills required to become a craftsman, technician or manager in that area.

Who are they for?
Modern Apprenticeships are aimed at those aged 16 and above and capable of achieving a vocational qualification at level 3 or above.

For employers they provide a means of securing a skilled workforce trained to a high level.

What do they offer?
A Modern Apprentice is employed from the start of their training and receives a wage from their employer.  They will 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 college or a training centre to study the theory relating to their chosen occupation.  To make sure the combination of theory and practice is right a training agreement is drawn up.  This ensures that the Modern Apprentices career is on track with nationally recognised qualification.  Some apprentices have used their training to gain qualifications that are acceptable as entrance qualifications to colleges and universities.  Others have won national training awards and used their training to go on to bigger things.

Who pays for all this?
Funding for training is provided by HIE Orkney.  It doesn't cost the apprentice or their parents anything.  In some occupations, periods of college attendance, either within or outwith Orkney, are part of the training but any travel and accommodation costs relating to this are paid by HIE Orkney

In some instances employers may be asked to make a small contribution towards the cost of training, but in most cases the employer will not be required to pay.  The exact costs of the training vary and depend on the level of qualification undertaken.

Modern Apprentices are employed and paid a wage - the minimum is £50 per week.  However the majority of apprentices are paid the rate for the job.

Useful links
Orkney's modern apprentices
Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland
Scottish Qualifications Authority
Careers Scotland