Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025: Celebrating Skills, Opportunity, and Growth
Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025 is set to be a landmark celebration of talent, opportunity, and the power of work-based learning. Running from March 3rd to 7th, this annual event showcases the immense value apprentices bring to businesses, communities, and the economy.
It’s more than just a week of recognition - it’s a chance to inspire the next generation, highlight success stories, and create meaningful connections between education, industry, and government.
The theme for 2025, "Made For Business", reflects Scotland’s commitment to equipping people with the knowledge, confidence, and adaptability to thrive in an evolving workforce. From technological advancements to the push for sustainability, apprenticeships are shaping careers that will define tomorrow’s industries.
A Platform for Opportunity
Throughout the week, organisations across Scotland will open their doors, offering insight into real-world career pathways. Schools, colleges, and businesses will come together to host events, from skills demonstrations and interactive workshops to Q&A sessions with industry leaders. These events aim to break down barriers, dispel myths, and showcase the incredible opportunities available to learners of all ages.
Employers, too, are encouraged to take part—whether by sharing apprenticeship success stories, hosting recruitment events, or simply celebrating the apprentices who make their teams stronger. It’s a time for businesses to reflect on the role of apprenticeships in developing homegrown talent, addressing skill shortages, and fostering innovation.
A Focus on Inclusion and Accessibility
One of the most significant aspects of Scottish Apprenticeship Week is its emphasis on accessibility and inclusion. Apprenticeships offer pathways for people from all walks of life, and the campaign highlights initiatives aimed at increasing participation among underrepresented groups. Efforts are being made to support individuals with disabilities, women entering male-dominated industries and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Local councils, charities, and training providers will be promoting flexible and tailored apprenticeship options, ensuring that everyone - regardless of their circumstances - can access the opportunities that suit them best.
Championing Employers and Mentors
Behind every successful apprentice is an employer or mentor who has invested time, energy, and trust in their development. Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025 will spotlight the role of those who nurture and guide apprentices, from small family-run businesses to major corporations.
By sharing stories of employers who have built skilled, loyal workforces through apprenticeships, the week aims to encourage more businesses to embrace work-based learning. Employers will also have the opportunity to engage with funding and support networks, ensuring that they can continue to offer apprenticeships in a sustainable and impactful way.
How to Get Involved
The beauty of Scottish Apprenticeship Week is that anyone can participate. Schools are hosting career sessions, employers are organising site visits, and individuals can share their own apprenticeship journeys on social media using #ScotAppWeek25.
At its core, the week is about empowerment and inspiration - showing that apprenticeships are not just an alternative route, but a first-choice pathway to success.
Let’s celebrate the future of Scotland’s workforce together!
Foundation Apprenticeship
There are 12 available Foundation Apprenticeship subjects to choose from at SCQF level 6, and another 3 at SCQF level 4 / 5. FAs are offered in 15 subjects, from accountancy and business skills to scientific technologies and construction.
Access to Work
Everyone needing support can access it. Those with disabilities or learning difficulties may qualify for extra help like Access to Work. This program assists individuals with health conditions or disabilities to find or maintain employment.
The power of apprenticeships
Want a brilliant career and a head start on life? Break out of the classroom stereotype and check out all of the incredible opportunities with Scottish Apprenticeships. Think of apprenticeships as your personal cheat code to success. You’ll get hands-on training from pros, learn valuable skills and build a work ethic that’ll make you unstoppable. Forget mountains of student debt – you earn while you learn.
Why choose an apprenticeship? It’s simple really. It gives you a massive advantage. It’s a direct route to a skilled career, bridging the gap between education and employment. You’ll be industry-ready, super employable and you can be raking in the cash sooner than your mates.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025 is all about showing you the exciting world of work-based learning. We’ve got the inside scoop, tips and tricks to unlock your potential. An apprenticeship could be your first step to a future that’s seriously epic!
Young people in care
Young people leaving care often face work transition challenges. Skills Development Scotland, as a “corporate parent,” helps these youth reach their potential through statutory duties outlined in The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act.
Ready to Launch Your Career?
Foundation Apprenticeships- A career kickstart
• A Foundation Apprenticeship offers valuable industry expe-rience while you’re still studying. You will develop knowledgeand skills, do projects and placements and may have the choice to take part virtually or in person.
• A Foundation Apprenticeship usually starts in S5 and takes up to two years. You will achieve a qualification at SCQF Level 6 (same level as a Higher) that is recognised by employers, colleges and universities.
• You can pursue the subject of your choice, while being able to spend time with both a learning provider and an employer. Career paths are available in a wide range of options, from business, accountancy and civil engineering, to food and drink technologies, social services and computers.
• Think of it as a stepping-stone to even bigger adventures like a Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship. Plus, it makes your resume look awesome, boosting your chances of landing a great job.
Modern Apprenticeships- Get paid to learn
• A Modern Apprenticeship is a real job while learning, and you can start from age 16.
• You’ll be an employee of the company you’re working for, spending on average of one day a week at university or college with your costs funded by the Students Awards Agency for Scotland.
• You’ll earn a wage and gain an SQA qualification and there are more than 100 apprenticeships to choose from, so you’re sure to find something you love.
• Getting a Modern Apprenticeship s your CV, making you stand out when applying for other positions. You can even use it to help progress to a Graduate Apprenticeship or continue learning.
Graduate Apprenticeships - Ditch the debt
• Graduate Apprenticeships are a fantastic alternative to traditional university.
• Instead of just learning a trade, you’re working towards a full university degree, all while being employed and earning a salary. This means you’ll have the same qualifications as someone who went to university full-time.
• You’ll be employed by a company and spend most of your time working for them. Part of your working week will be dedicated to studying, either at a university or college.
• Your employer covers the cost of your training, meaning you won’t have to pay tuition fees- and that means no student loan debt!
How to find the right apprenticeship
• Speak to a school careers adviser about the Apprenticeships available to start this term. Further information is available on www.apprenticeships.scot.
• DYW (Developing the Young Workforce) is the link between education and employment and they are dedicated to helping young people find the right path when leaving school - and employers finding the right person and people to add value to their business. See page 4 for more information on this invaluable support in your area.
• Search the live vacancies to find and apply for hundreds of Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships available across Scotland. Or make an appointment with an advisor at the Oban, Dunoon, Helensburgh, Islay, Campbeltown or Fort William Careers Centres. Call Skills Development Scotland at 0800 917 8000 to find out more.
• For information about funding, visit the Student Awards Agency Scotland website at www.saas.gov.uk.
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Childcare and Education Worker - ARB15733 - Argyll and Bute Council
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