Apprenticeships demonstrate and promote the benefits work-based learning brings to businesses, individuals and the Scottish economy and are a real alternative to traditional academic routes and pathways.
SDS (Skills Development Scotland) work closely with Scotland’s industries to make sure apprenticeships meet their needs and administer the apprenticeship family on behalf of the Scottish Government. In the past year, they have significantly expanded their work-based learning offer, with almost 30,000 Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships.
Below you will find a range of different types of apprenticeships available for businesses to offer in West Lothian today.
Now available in all 32 local authorities, Foundation Apprenticeships help young people gain valuable, real-world work experience, an industry-recognised qualification and access work-based learning while they’re still at school. Foundation apprentices could progress to Modern apprenticeships, further education or the workplace.
For employers, offering an FA helps attract highly motivated and committed young people who are willing to learn and helps ensure their organisations have people with the skills they need.
With a Modern Apprenticeship, individuals learn on the job, earn a wage and gain an industry-recognised qualification. Employers can utilise Modern Apprenticeships to develop their workforce by training new staff and upskilling existing employees.
SDS has worked with industry and sector skills councils to develop over 80 Modern Apprenticeships frameworks - from healthcare and financial services to construction and IT.
Another opportunity for individuals to earn and learn, Graduate Apprenticeships provide work-based learning opportunities up to Master’s degree level in twelve subject areas covering sectors including ICT/Digital, Cyber Security, Data, Civil Engineering, Engineering, Construction and Business.
Graduate apprentices benefit from the same learning opportunities as those who go down the traditional route of direct entry into college or university, alongside working with an employer. As Graduate Apprenticeships are designed around the needs of the industry, employers can be confident that what their staff are learning at college or university will directly contribute to the success of their business.