The Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board (SAAB) was established following recommendations from the Commission for Developing Scotland's Young Workforce.
It is led by employers and representatives from industry bodies across a range of sectors and provides employer leadership and contribution to the development of apprenticeships in Scotland, ensuring they are aligned with:
- Industry and Economic Need
- Fair Work
- Job Opportunities
The SAAB is responsible for providing advice and making recommendations on the guiding principles, operational policy, systems and structures supporting apprenticeships in Scotland.
Skills Development Scotland works with the SAAB to ensure there is a demand-led, responsive and adaptive work-based learning system for employers and the Scottish economy.
SAAB Spotlight On Series
Head of Learning and Organisational Development at Scottish Water Chair of the SAAB Employer Engagement Group
I believe there is massive potential to grow the apprenticeship offer in Scotland. Moreover, I think that the timing is better now than it ever has been.
Read our full interview with Paul CampbellAlison McGregor, CEO Scotland for HSBC Member of the SAAB Group Board.
SAAB brings key stakeholders together, employers, education and government to discuss and inform how we create pathways to work.
Read our full interview with Alison McGregorToby Peyton Jones, Director of HR at Siemens PlcMember of the SAAB Group Board.
SAAB is a great forum to share the employers’ voices and have them clearly heard, but heard in the context of the other stakeholders needed to make the whole system work.
Read our full interview with Toby Peyton JonesEdel Harris, Chief Executive at CornerstoneMember of the SAAB Employer Engagement Group
Providing an opportunity for apprentices to discover all aspects of a job in social care and hopefully igniting a passion should lead to great things not just for the individual but for others whose lives they touch.
Read our full interview with Edel HarrisFrank Mitchell, CEO for SP Energy NetworksCo-chair of the SAAB Group Board
In the last 10 years we have recruited just under a 1,000 people into our business via apprenticeships. In doing so, I have observed first-hand, the high quality and great attitude of our younger generations. This is what I am most proud of.
Read our full interview with Frank Mitchell
Paul Campbell Head of Learning and Organisational Development at Scottish Water
Alison McGregor Alison McGregor, CEO Scotland for HSBC
Toby Peyton Jones Toby Peyton Jones, Director of HR at Siemens Plc
Edel Harris Edel Harris, Chief Executive at Cornerstone
Frank Mitchell Frank Mitchell, CEO for SP Energy Networks
The SAAB is made up of five groups:
Group Board
The Board is responsible for providing advice and making recommendations on the guiding principles, operational policy, systems and structures supporting apprenticeships. Its members are senior business representatives.
Employer Engagement Group
This group listens to and communicates with employers. It gathers insight on how to support and encourage employer participation in apprenticeships.
Forthcoming meetings
2021/22
- 5 May 2021
- 16 June 2021
- 28 July 2021
- 8 August 2021
- 20 October 2021
- 1 December 2021
- 19 January 2022
- 2 March 2022
Apprentice Engagement Group
The Apprentice Engagement Group (AEG) is a sub-group of the SAAB Employer Engagement Group and members are current apprentices.
The group will be apprenticeship ambassadors to inspire the next generation of young people and employers to get involved in apprenticeships, as well as offer vital insight into the apprenticeship process.
Forthcoming Meetings
2021/22
- 14 April 2021
- 11 May 2021
- 24 June 2021
- 18 July 2021
- 29 August 2021
- 10 November 2021
- 16 December 2021
Employer Equalities Group
The aim of this group is to address under-representation in apprenticeships, and support better access to and participation in apprenticeships.
Forthcoming meetings
2021/22
- 21 May 2021
- 17 September 2021
- 21 January 2022
Standards and Frameworks Group
The group oversees the development of apprenticeship standards and frameworks.
Forthcoming meetings
2021/22
- 13 May 2021
- 12 August 2021
- 25 November 2021
- 10 February 2022
Next Steps
Looking for more information?
Maxine McClintock – SAAB Communications and Engagement Manager
Frances Porter – SAAB Communications and Engagement Executive
Daniel McLean – Stakeholder Engagement Apprentice
For all SAAB support and general enquiries, please get in touch with one of the SAAB team listed above through the SAAB mail address at apprenticeships@sds.co.uk.