SAAB reports progress to support national skills priorities within reform period
Foundations for employer engagement in apprenticeships in Scotland have been laid out in this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board (SAAB) Chair’s End of Year Report from the Apprenticeship Approvals Group (AAG).
The report highlights the key role of SAAB’s governance structures, in particular the Standards and Frameworks Group (SFG) and AAG in supporting the design, development, approval, and delivery of apprenticeships that meet Scotland’s evolving workforce needs.
Ruth Jennings, the outgoing Chair said: “The Apprenticeship Approvals Group (AAG), operating under the governance of SAAB, provides a strong foundation for continued industry leadership and oversight in the design, development, and approval of apprenticeships in Scotland.”
The report highlights the key role of SAAB’s governance structures, in particular the Standards and Frameworks Group (SFG) and AAG in supporting the design, development, approval, and delivery of apprenticeships that meet Scotland’s evolving workforce needs.
Rohaise Rose-Bristow said: “I hope my commitment, passion and dedication will support the continued value and relevance of apprenticeships for Scotland.”
Jennifer Davies added: “As an employer, I am excited to take up the role of joint chair of AAG and champion the development of apprenticeships across sectors to support the future skills challenge.”
Highlighted in the report is recognition of the Group’s work to remain focused through proposed changes to the structure of the post-school education system reforms, ensuring that the work of AAG continues without disruption.
It provides an overview on apprenticeships that have launched or are in development under the approval of AAG within the last year, all developed to address skills gaps and national priorities.
The report also details the importance of employer led frameworks and highlights the group’s engagement with emerging themes such as sustainability, AI, and sector transformation.
Ruth said: “Apprenticeships are becoming even more vital in helping people transition into new roles, and ensuring they are developed to meet real needs has never been more important.”
The report complements wider SAAB efforts to improve equity in apprenticeships, including work by the Gender Commission, Care Experience Short-Life Working Group, and the newly launched Race Commission. These initiatives aim to remove barriers for underrepresented groups and ensure apprenticeships are accessible to all.
Progress and Challenges
SAAB continues to advocate for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with protected characteristics. Progress includes:
- 25% of Modern Apprenticeship starts coming from SIMD areas.
- Achievement rate gaps narrowing for disabled and care experienced learners.
Outgoing SAAB Employer Equalities Group Chair, Stevie Grier from Microsoft said: “Many of our underrepresented groups will continue to struggle on a day-to-day basis. Gaining employment and specifically accessing apprenticeships will help to lift their financial burden and therefore it is hugely important that every effort is made to improve employment opportunities for Scotland’s disadvantaged learners and pogress needs to continue in parallel to reform.”
SAAB would also like to see Equality Impact Assessments undertaken on the Tertiary Education Bill and the associated reform programmes, including work to develop and grow Foundation Apprenticeships, Modern Apprenticeships and Graduate Apprenticeships, to understand the impact on groups of individuals with protected characteristics and help identify any mitigations.
To read the full SAAB end of year report visit the AAG webpage - Apprenticeship Approvals Group - Skills Development Scotland or to discuss any of the points made in the repost get in touch through the SAAB mailbox – apprenticeships@sds.co.uk