Apprenticeship funding in Scotland
Apprenticeships in Scotland are supported by government funding, making them a cost-effective way to build skills and grow your workforce. Training is funded and administered by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), with support available to employers of all sizes, including SMEs and public sector organisations.
Who we work with
What types of apprenticeships are funded?
Scotland offers three main types of apprenticeships:
- Modern Apprenticeships (MAs): Work-based programmes where apprentices earn a salary while gaining an industry-recognised qualification
- Foundation Apprenticeships: For school pupils (S5–S6), combining classroom learning with work experience
- Graduate Apprenticeships: Degree-level programmes delivered in partnership with universities
Most employer funding support is accessed through Modern Apprenticeships, which are designed to meet workforce needs across sectors such as digital, IT and data. More details can visit Scottish Government's guide on apprenticeship funding.
How apprenticeships work for businesses
Eligibility criteria
Most employers in Scotland can access apprenticeship funding, provided they meet a few key requirements:
- Be based in Scotland and able to offer a genuine job role
- Pay the apprentice a salary (at least the National Minimum Wage)
- Provide on-the-job training and support
- Work with an approved training provider - such as QA
- Ensure the role meets the requirements of the chosen apprenticeship framework
What funding covers
Scottish apprenticeship funding is designed to reduce the cost of training. What is funded:
- Training and assessment costs (fully or largely funded depending on programme)
- Graduate Apprenticeship tuition (fully funded for the duration of the programme)
- Additional support for priority groups through enhanced funding
For Modern Apprenticeships, funding levels vary based on the apprentice age, qualification level and apprenticeship sector.
The Apprenticeship Levy
The UK Apprenticeship Levy applies to employers across the UK, including Scotland.
In Scotland, Levy funds are not held in a digital account - they are distributed to the Scottish Government and allocated through Skills Development Scotland (SDS). All employers, whether they pay the levy or not, can access funded apprenticeships.
How do I employ an apprentice in Scotland
QA has decades of experience in connecting organisations with the right talent to fill their skills gaps.
Choose a programme that aligns to your business needs
QA will work alongside you to identify which apprenticeship best suits your requirements.
Connect with QA to deliver your training
We’re experts in helping you and your apprentice get the most out of their training.
Once you’ve selected the perfect apprenticeship programme to fit your needs, we take care of the rest.
Let QA advertise your apprenticeship position
Advertising is a time-consuming internal task, but don’t worry - we’re experts at finding talent with the right aptitude and attitude, who will be a great culture fit for your organisation.
Take a look at our Recruitment Services Guide and let us take care of it all.
Interview the best candidates
Our expert candidate attraction team take care of sourcing and screening candidates to find the best fit for your business.
What our clients say about QA's impacts
“We’ve been blown away with the quality of the candidates that have been put in front of us. If these candidates are representative of the level of the capabilities that are coming out of the schools in Scotland I think we are in an extremely good place as a nation and a tech nation for the future.”
“Apprenticeships are a good opportunity for individuals looking to make a career in IT. We see apprenticeships as investing in young people. We like the idea of growing our own talent within the company. This gives them a good grounding on learning, and gives us time to make sure they are the right people for our company.”
“We took a bit of persuading with apprenticeships initially, but we are sold on the idea now and will continue to do so. If any employer has doubts, I would say don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.”
“We have been using the apprenticeship scheme since 2009, and the young apprentices we have hired have brought a change to the culture with their enthusiasm and a different approach, which is critical to any company that has a modern-looking view. Modern apprentices are not about cheap labour; they're about really good talent.”
Let's talk
Start your digital transformation journey today
Contact us today via the form or give us a call.
If you're an individual interested in starting an apprenticeship, find out more here
Frequently asked questions
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a modern, hands-on way to train for an exciting digital career. Apprentices are paid jobs and combine real work experience with classroom and virtual learning.
In Scotland, there are plenty of opportunities to become an apprentice in a variety of digital specialisms, including digital marketing, digital helpdesk support, software engineering, business administration, project management, data analytics, and more.
How are Scottish apprenticeships funded?
Apprenticeships are funded by the Scottish government and administered by Skills Development Scotland through direct contracts between employers and training providers. As the top training provider for digital and tech apprenticeships in Scotland, QA provides training for around 1,000 apprentices per year.
Can employers influence apprenticeship training?
Employers significantly influence the design and priorities of Scotland’s skills, training, and employability system.
The Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board (SAAB), led by employers and industry representatives, ensures that apprenticeships align with industry needs, fair work principles, and job opportunities.
What are the benefits of hiring an apprentice in Scotland?
There are many benefits of hiring an apprentice, including government funding, the ability to build your talent pipeline and injecting a learning culture into your business. Here are the top five reasons to hire an apprentice into your business.
How much should I pay my apprentice?
The average salary for a computing or IT apprentice in Scotland is £17,000 per annum.
With the average post-degree student debt in Scotland running at £14,000, an apprenticeship paying £17,000 pa is an extremely attractive proposition for young people considering their future careers. Download our salary brochure for more information
Will QA help me select the correct apprentice candidates?
We also support in the hiring process, simplifying it for both employers and candidates alike.
Take a look at our Recruitment Services brochure.
Do apprentices get paid holiday?
Yes, apprentices are entitled to paid holiday, just like other salaried employees. The amount of holiday can vary depending on the training provider and employer.
Which locations do we most often have opportunities in?
Apprenticeship opportunities are found not only in the main cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen, but right across Scotland in all regions from Fife to Ayrshire, Highlands to the Borders.
How does QA support employers?
QA's Scotland Apprenticeships Employers portal contains all the information you need to guide and support your and your apprentices through their programme, including guidance on progress monitoring, wellbeing, safeguarding, and information on our feedback process.
How are Scottish apprenticeships assessed?
Apprentices are supported throughout their journey with regular check ins every five weeks. Apprenticeships with QA average 10-18 months and on successful completion candidates receive a nationally recognised qualification at SCQF Level 6 or 8.