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Employ a Modern Apprentice
Build a skilled, confident workforce with funded training and recognised qualifications.
The Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programme helps businesses grow their workforce, strengthen skills, and invest in the future of their organisation.
Apprentices earn a salary while working towards industry-recognised qualifications, building the skills and knowledge to contribute more confidently and effectively in the workplace.
MAs are suitable for new or existing staff, with funding available towards the cost of training.
How to apply
96%
of employers say their Modern Apprentice is more able to do their job¹
Types of Modern Apprenticeship
Business & Management
- Business & Administration
- Management
Care
- Healthcare Support
- Social Services (Children & Young People)
- Social Services (Healthcare)
Construction
- Carpentry & Joinery
- Brickwork
- Painting & Decorating
- Civil Engineering
Engineering
- Electrical / Electronic
- Fabrication & Welding
- Maintenance
- Manufacturing
- Mechanical / Renewables
Hairdressing
- Hairdressing
- Barbering
Logistics & Supply Chain
- Logistics Operations
- Warehousing, Storage & Distribution
Key information
A Modern Apprentice is just like every other employee, so you must pay their salary and make sure they have everything they need to do their job.
Every college and training provider in Scotland is allocated a specific number of MA places per industry. These allocations are usually made in spring each year.
Places are awarded by NESCol on a first-come, first-served basis to applicants who meet eligibility criteria. It is recommended that you get in touch with us as soon as possible to secure places for your business.
If there are no funded places available, it is still possible to place an employee on an MA programme. Please contact the MA Team to talk through different options.
A Modern Apprentice can be a new team member or an existing employee.
They must:
- Be employed full-time in a suitable job.
- Have your full support as their employer.
- Meet the age criteria for their chosen apprenticeship.
- Be a Scottish resident.
Most MAs are available for employees aged 16-24 living in Scotland. However, there are a limited number of places for apprentices over 25 certain industries.
The Scottish Government via SDS
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) pays the cost of training, as well as assessments. They pay NESCol directly.
The Employer
As the employer, you will pay the apprentice’s salary for the duration of the programme. A Modern Apprentice must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for an apprentice.
Find hourly rates on the UK Government website
In most cases, SDS will cover the full cost of the training but occasionally, there may be an additional contribution required by the employer. This will be confirmed by the MA Team in advance.
The apprentice
There is no cost to the apprentice.
Additional funding
Enhanced SDS funding is available for apprentices with a disability or long-term health condition, as well as care-experienced apprentices aged 20-29. The MA Team can advise and support the application.
NESCol manages the qualification, paperwork and SDS administration. Your role is to focus on providing meaningful work, a safe environment and a supportive mentor for your apprentice.
The business must employ the individual for the duration of the apprenticeship.
You must also be willing and able to provide the workplace experience and assessment opportunities required to complete the programme.
Employers can keep up to date with the apprentice’s progress through our online portal, where attendance, timetables and results can be easily accessed.
An MA typically lasts two to four years depending on the programme.
Some MAs require College attendance.
The apprentice will study at College on a day-release basis (for example, one day a week) or through block release, where they attend College full-time for a set period such as a few days or weeks.
This time in built into their contracted hours and you will be given information on when they are timetabled to attend College.
As the apprenticeship progresses, they’ll spend less time at College and more time learning in the workplace.
We design the MA training plan around what works for your business, your sector and the apprentice.
The team are on hand to help you get started, with advice on what framework is right for you and how to recruit an apprentice.
You and the apprentice will be supported throughout the programme with regular progress reviews and visits from a NESCol assessor.
Why employ a Modern Apprentice?
There are many reasons why hiring a Modern Apprentice might be right for your business.
- Develop skills tailored to your business
- Train new and existing employees
- Receive funding towards training costs
- Bring in new ideas and perspectives
- Address skills gaps
- Improve business performance
How to apply
Application form
Once you and your employee have agreed on an apprenticeship route, you should fill out the online application form together.
Modern Apprenticeship application form
Before you start the application, please make sure you have the following information and documents ready:
- The employee’s National Insurance number.
- The employee’s qualifications.
- The employee’s Core Skills Profile certificate from Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA).
- The employer’s name, address and telephone number.
- The manager’s name and telephone number.
What happens next?
- We review your application.
- We check eligibility for funding with Skills Development Scotland (SDS).
- If your organisation has not worked with NESCol before, we will organise a workplace visit to confirm the apprentice’s job role meets the qualification criteria.
- If an MA place is available, we will contact both you and your employee to arrange the signing of contract documents.
The application process can take up to eight weeks.
Get in touch
For further information on employing a Modern Apprentice, please contact the MA Team.
Telephone 01346 586110
Email MATeam@nescol.ac.uk
Resources
Modern Apprenticeship Guide
