If you’re wondering whether an apprenticeship could be right for you, here’s what you really need to know.
There are three different kinds of apprenticeships: Foundation, Modern and Graduate.
- Foundation Apprenticeships: try out the world of work while you’re still at school. You’ll gain handson experience, work alongside professionals, and complete a qualification equal to a National 4, National 5 or Higher.
- Modern Apprenticeships: earn while you work and learn. You’ll be employed by a company and work towards a qualification recognised by industry employers.
- Graduate Apprenticeships: work towards a degree whilst being paid. You’ll split your time between your job and your university learning, with support from both your employer and your university.
There’s more to apprenticeships than you think. You can do an apprenticeship in pretty much every industry you can think of. Engineering, hospitality, childcare, construction, financial services, healthcare, digital technology – the list goes on. Find out more about what sectors offer apprenticeships here.
Every apprenticeship is different so it’s important you research what one you want to do – just in the same way you’d research a course or a job. Modern apprenticeships are available at different qualification levels and can be of varying length to complete. Graduate apprenticeships usually take four years to complete and you will be part of the university’s student community.
There’s no upper age limit on apprenticeships. You can apply to become a modern or graduate apprentice at an age – not just when you’re leaving school. Apprenticeships are a great way to enter a profession if you’re thinking about a career change.
My apprenticeship has given me so much independence. I’m saving for a deposit for a mortgage, and I’ve been able to pay for my car – Alice Fairburn, Modern Apprentice at SP Energy Networks
Apprenticeships offer real career progression opportunities. 79% of Modern Apprentices who complete their apprenticeship are still with their employer 15 months after completing, demonstrating the future job opportunities available to apprentices.
Doing the Modern Apprenticeship has opened my eyes to all the different opportunities within travel and I’d love to work my way up into management – Chase Zanoni, Modern Apprentice at Hays Travel
You can start an apprenticeship at any time throughout the year – employers recruit apprentices at different times so it’s important you look out for job adverts. Apprenticeships.Scot is a great place to find apprenticeship opportunities, with new vacancies posted every day. See what vacancies are recruiting today.
Want to find out more? Visit Apprenticeships.Scot and follow Apprentice Scot to discover even more.
During Scottish Apprenticeship Week there are loads of events taking place across Scotland for you to find out more either in person or through a webinar. See what’s on during Scottish Apprenticeship Week and start your apprenticeship journey today.