Empowering women to create careers through apprenticeships
To support Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026, Policy & Research Coordinator for Equate Scotland, Dr Athina Frantzana explains the joint work with SDS to increase the number of women in apprenticeships.
Equate Scotland’s focus is on supporting women at every stage of the STEM pipeline, while also working closely with employers to create inclusive workplaces where diverse talent can thrive.
By tackling barriers to entry, progression and retention, our work helps ensure that women have equal access to opportunities in sectors that shape Scotland’s future.
Developing practical guidance and employer tools
Collaboration has always been central to our approach, and our partnership with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has been particularly impactful.
Together we have worked on a range of initiatives designed to address gender imbalance within apprenticeships and STEM careers.
Through projects such as the Women into STEM, Women in Tech, and the development of the Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit, we have provided practical guidance, inclusive recruitment training and supportive networks where women can connect, share experiences and build confidence in their roles.
Working alongside SDS ensures this work is aligned with Scotland’s wider skills agenda and helps extend its reach to employers and apprentices across the country.
Apprenticeships offer an incredibly powerful pathway for women. They combine paid employment with structured learning, allowing individuals to gain valuable industry experience while developing recognised qualifications.
For many women, particularly in male-dominated sectors such as engineering, construction or technology, apprenticeships can provide a practical and empowering first step into a rewarding career.
Spotlight on achievers
That is why it is so important to celebrate and showcase success stories. Events such as the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards recognise outstanding apprentices, employers and learning providers from across Scotland, highlighting the vital contribution apprentices make within their industries. Celebrating women winners and finalists is especially powerful, as their achievements provide visible role models and help inspire the next generation of women to see themselves succeeding in these careers.
From my perspective, apprenticeships are more than just a skills pathway, they are an opportunity to reshape workplace cultures.
By supporting more women into apprenticeships and celebrating their success, employers can build more diverse teams, address skills shortages and create stronger, more innovative workplaces.
This vision aligns closely with the mission of Equate Scotland: ensuring Scotland’s STEM workforce reflects the full diversity of the talent available and that women are supported to thrive at every stage of their careers.