Scottish Apprenticeships Working for Scotland
A national campaign to show the positive impact of Scottish Apprenticeships on people, employers and Scotland’s economy will take place in March 2026.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week from 2 to 6 March has been launched with the theme ‘Working for Scotland’.
Created by employers, for employers
Apprenticeships are working for Scotland by creating careers and enabling people to reach their potential, supporting employers to develop and grow their workforce and getting real returns for the economy.
There are currently around 12,000 apprentice employers in Scotland, investing in over 40,000 Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprentices.
Scottish Apprenticeships are created in partnership with employers, for employers and nine out of 10 say apprenticeships significantly improved job performance.
The majority of Modern Apprenticeships are in Scotland’s growth sectors and apprentice employers are working for Scotland, by providing opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week, an award-winning campaign co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland, is supported by Scottish Government and a wide range of national and local partners.
Activities and events to support the campaign will be taking place across the country delivered by learning providers, local authorities, schools and businesses to show how apprenticeships are working for Scotland.
Scottish Apprenticeship Awards
To coincide with the launch of the campaign, SDS has also revealed the finalists of the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, which help to demonstrate the benefits of work-based learning.
Talented young people and top employers across the country are in the running for the awards.
The vital role of learning providers will also be recognised when winners are announced at a ceremony in Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket on 26 February.
Contenders from the north to the south of Scotland have made the shortlist, and one inspiring nominee will be crowned the nation’s Apprentice of the Year.
“At a time when employers are seeing skill shortages all over the country, apprenticeships have never been so important than they are now.”
Frank Mitchell
Chair, Skills Development Scotland
Apprenticeships providing real returns
Skills Development Scotland Chair, Frank Mitchell said: “Scottish Apprenticeships provide real returns for employers, individuals and the economy.
“People from all backgrounds are gaining meaningful career opportunities through apprenticeships, creating diverse workforces that benefits business and our society.
“Scottish Apprenticeship Week and the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards show how apprenticeships are working for Scotland.
“At a time when employers are seeing skill shortages all over the country, apprenticeships have never been so important than they are now.”
Minister for Higher and Further Education, Ben Macpherson said: “Scottish Apprenticeships are excellent opportunities for young people, offering sustainable and rewarding employment.
“Congratulations to all Scottish Apprenticeship Awards finalists – career journeys that are fantastic examples of the positive impact apprenticeships have on people, business and society.”
Visit apprenticeships.scot/scotappweek to find the online toolkit to get involved in Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
For more information on Scottish Apprenticeship Awards finalists go to apprenticeships.scot/awards. More information on the ceremony will be released in January 2026.