Scottish Apprentice Week 2024 will celebrate the diversity that that makes work-based learning good for individuals, employers and the economy. Developed as an initiative by Skills Development Scotland, the week will take place 4-8 March, underpinned by the theme of ‘Skills Generation’. This recognises that Scottish Apprenticeships are creating the new generation of Scotland’s skilled workforce.    

Scottish Apprenticeships are for everyone no matter their age, background and for every business, no matter its size or sector. The Scottish Government acknowledges that an enthusiastic and trained workforce underpins Scotland's ambition for economic success.  

Pauline Robertson, Skills Program Manager at West College Scotland, talks about Modern Apprenticeships and how a workforce with sector specific skills can benefit employers and the economy.  

Pauline explains:

“It is more important than ever to include Modern Apprenticeships within employers’ strategic plans to ensure we meet the current and future skills demands. Modern Apprentices have the fantastic opportunity to earn while they learn, gain on-the-job training and achieve nationally recognised qualifications. In order to realise the benefits that Modern Apprenticeships can deliver, we all need to continually raise awareness of the program and the opportunities that exist for young people, upskilling of existing employees and employers.’   

West College Scotland is a significant Foundation, Modern and Pre-Apprenticeship provider, working with a wide range of employers in various sectors.   

Sharron Rodger, School Relationships Manager explains that businesses benefit from supporting the Foundation Apprenticeship program, “Across all industries employers are seeing real value in supporting a Foundation Apprentice within their team. So many of our partners are looking at progressions to Modern and Graduate Apprenticeship opportunities to further support the learners’ developments.”  

From March 4-8, West College Scotland will be promoting Scottish Apprenticeship Week by posting and sharing content on our social channels including articles, case studies and video content highlighting the journey of some of the apprentices at West College Scotland. Across the week we’ll cover different apprenticeship schemes and highlight the benefits offered from each level of the apprenticeship programmes.