Scottish Apprenticeship Week for a stronger native workforce

The theme aims to “show that Scottish apprenticeships are developed with employers, for employers, making skilled individuals that benefit their businesses”. 

The week, co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and supported by the Scottish Government, intends to demonstrate how apprenticeships are critical to helping grow and expand the nation’s workforce.

There are currently around 12,000 apprentice employers in Scotland, investing in about 40,000 apprentices. According to statistics from SDS, 83 per cent of employers report improved productivity through apprentices, over 90 per cent of apprentice employers are small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and more than 90 per cent of apprentice employers pay the real living wage as a minimum.

Frank Mitchell, chair of SDS, says: “Created in collaboration with industry, Scottish apprenticeships help employers build a skilled and diverse workforce. Designed by employers, apprenticeships foster innovation, economic growth, and new opportunities.”

Scottish ferry operator CalMac is an example of a business that offers apprenticeships. Its scheme will be open for application for its 2025 intake from today until 17 March. Craig Ramsay, CalMac’s fleet management director, says his firm is is a recognised leader of sea-going apprenticeships. And it has been named by the Merchant Navy Training Board as one of the top-five UK companies for maritime apprentice schemes.

More than 150 young people have trained with CalMac since the programme was set up in 2013, with many of them progressing to permanent positions on the fleet’s vessels.

Ramsay adds: “Our scheme is designed to help young people who are passionate about the maritime sector gain essential qualifications and the experience necessary for a successful career at sea.”

Jonathan Bryceland, 19, from Millport, earned a place on the CalMac apprenticeship scheme last year. He explains: “I travelled on the ferry to school every day and realise how important it is to the community. CalMac has a reputation as a good place to work and I am looking forward to seeing different parts of Scotland, as well as learning new skills.”

Meanwhile, Barrhead Travel has expanded its apprenticeship programme, doubling its number of apprenticeship recruits for 2025. It states that last year saw the creation of 20 jobs, following 100 per cent of apprentices studying within the business completing their programme and accepting full-time positions.

The company says its apprenticeship programme offers young people the opportunity to build a prosperous career in the travel retail sector, including positions within marketing, HR and IT and sales.

Jacqueline Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel, says: “Apprentices are the backbone of the business community, creating talent pipelines and nurturing homegrown talent. I personally started as a trainee and have strongly advocated for the last few decades for robust investment from the government.

“Unfortunately, many travel and tourism courses have been defunded by the government, which means that businesses are left to provide vital investment and support for the future careers of young people.

“We remain committed to bridging the gap through our bespoke apprenticeship programmes wherever we can and we’re delighted to be doubling our apprenticeship numbers this year.

“As well as gaining hands-on experience and being able to forge a lifelong career, apprentices also bring fresh approaches and ideas to the business, and we’ve seen real innovation driven by some of our young people over the years.”

Gemma Harbinson began her career as an HR apprentice at Barrhead Travel. She is now employed full time as an HR and recruitment advisor, based in Glasgow. She says: “I’ve always had an interest in HR and, when I saw the opportunity to become an apprentice with Barrhead Travel, I jumped at the chance. I knew early on that college wasn’t for me and was keen to get hands-on experience whilst also gaining qualifications.”

Scottish shipyard Ferguson Marine also recruits apprentices. Its apprentice co-ordinator, Frances Rice, says: “As we celebrate Scottish Apprenticeship Week, it’s vital that we highlight the role apprenticeships play in shaping the future and keeping industries like shipbuilding alive in Scotland. At Ferguson Marine, our people are our business, and we are committed to developing the next generation of talent.

“Apprenticeships are about more than just learning a trade – they enable young people to contribute to the evolution of our industry and provide valuable opportunities for growth and development.

“Investing homegrown, Scottish talent is key to the continued success of our industry, and apprenticeships provide a strong foundation for young people to learn on the job and build lasting careers.

“It’s heartening to see young professionals’ commitment and enthusiasm grow during their time with us.”

Rice adds that its programmes offer the opportunity to gain practical experience and develop skills essential to Scotland’s maritime sector with learning taking place both in and outside the classroom.

Ferguson Marine is recruiting eight new apprentices aged between 16 to 24 to join its Port Glasgow shipyard, with roles starting in August this year.

Turning to Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs), these are work-based degree programmes that enable apprentices in full-time employment to gain a university qualification. They are designed to provide a flexible and practical route into higher education, helping to develop industry-ready skills while addressing Scotland’s skills shortages.

Lauren Paton, employer liaison manager at Edinburgh Napier University, says: “In my role, I meet a diverse range of individuals – school and college leavers exploring their next steps, career changers transitioning from unrelated fields, and experienced professionals with over a decade in industry looking to progress their career. Many have not considered university due to financial barriers, and this is where GAs provide a flexible and accessible route into higher education.”

With tuition fees covered by the Scottish Funding Council, there are no additional learning costs for apprentices or employers. This financial support makes GAs an attractive option for organisations seeking to invest in talent without significant outlay.

According to Lauren, beyond individual opportunities, GAs play a crucial role in supporting high-demand sectors such as construction and the built environment, computing, business management, and engineering.

From this September, Edinburgh Napier will also include a new Accounting Graduate Apprenticeship, accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, providing a valuable pathway for aspiring finance professionals.

Lauren adds: “By integrating academic learning with practical workplace experience, GAs not only develop highly skilled employees, but also enhance workforce productivity and retention.

“Furthermore, they encourage apprentices to build long-term careers within Scottish industries, helping to retain talent and strengthen the local economy.

“GAs are an excellent fit for both apprentices and employers, offering a hands-on approach to learning and prioritising practical work experience. Apprentices make meaningful contributions during their time with employers, demonstrating their impact early on.”

Claire Green was a GA who graduated from Edinburgh Napier in Construction and Built Environment (Quantity Surveying) in 2022, while working with Summers-Inman Construction & Property Consultants.

Claire says: “As someone who left school at 16 years old, because I did not enjoy it and struggled with sitting in a classroom all day, commencing university studies was a significant decision.

“Prior to university, I participated in day-release at college while working full-time as a quantity surveyor, an arrangement that suited me well. I understood that obtaining a degree was essential for career advancement, however, returning to full-time education was unappealing.”

Looking into her options, she decided to pursue the GA route which allowed her to continue working full-time, gaining valuable industry experience and expertise, while simultaneously earning her degree.

It also allowed her to start her professional qualification, RICS Chartership, during her final year of university. Claire now works as a senior cost consultant for US firm Churchill Cost Consultants.

Scottish minister for higher and further education, Graeme Dey, says: “Scottish Apprenticeships are vital for nurturing an inclusive, skills-driven, and resilient workforce that aligns with Scotland’s economic ambitions, not to mention helping our young people into sustainable and rewarding employment.”