Modern Apprenticeships

‘Earn while you Learn’

An MA provides anyone aged 16 or over the opportunity to achieve industry-recognised qualifications whilst working. Individuals must be employed to enrol on an MA programme, and they are available to both new and existing employees.

Modern Apprenticeships typically last from 2-4 years depending on the type of apprenticeship and the ability of the apprentice. This career pathway is an alternative to full-time study – a way of gaining new skills and improving job prospects whilst getting paid.

Modern Apprenticeships help businesses build a stronger, more confident workforce that is equipped with greater skills.

How does an MA work?

A Modern Apprenticeship is a three-way partnership with the employer, the apprentice and the College. It provides training which can be College and/or work-based over a period of up to four years, depending on the type of apprenticeship chosen.

Industry recognised qualifications

Modern Apprenticeships are designed by industry for industry. This ensures that the qualifications gained whilst completing an MA meet the standards and requirements sought by employers. The bodies responsible for developing MAs are known as Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) – these are independent employer-led organisations who consult with industry in order to create the specific MA frameworks.

Each apprenticeship consists of:

• Qualifications & Experience
  A lot of this experience and many of the qualifications will be vocational and assessed in the workplace, while some may be college-based.
• Developing Core Skills
  There are five key areas that are studied to a specified level on all Modern Apprenticeships: communication; numeracy; information and communication technology; problem-solving and working with others.
• Industry-specific training
  Bespoke training tailored to the chosen sector.

The MAs offered at NESCol are Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Levels 2 and 3, which is equivalent to SCQF Levels 5-7 of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.

Funding

The Scottish Government contributes towards the cost of Modern Apprenticeship training via Skills Development Scotland (SDS). This funding covers *some or all of the direct costs of the apprentice’s training through the College. The training is delivered at a College campus, in the workplace or through a combination of both.

The employer pays the salary of the trainee, who is employed full-time. This ensures everyone benefits by enhancing key skills, thus improving an apprentice’s productivity and confidence in the workplace.

*Level of funding dependent upon the apprenticeship selected, availability and eligibility of the trainee