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Apprenticeships Pathway

Information on apprenticeship options for companies

Offshore Wind Blade Inspection11

Apprenticeships

In Scotland, apprenticeships play a key role in supporting the growth of the offshore wind sector by providing workers with the practical skills and qualifications needed to succeed in this rapidly evolving industry. 

Apprenticeships aim to provide a mixture of on-the-job (in the workplace) and off-the-job (through day or block release at college) learning to enable people to develop the knowledge, skills and expertise required by businesses today. 

Designed by employers to attract new talent, tackle critical skills shortages and develop existing workforces, apprenticeships can both help people to enter the world of work and develop the skills of those already in work.

Several apprenticeship pathways are specifically tailored to various roles in offshore wind, spanning technical, operational, and support functions. 

Employer in suit with files pouch

Apprenticeships - Benefits for Employers

Apprenticeships are a great way to train existing employees or introduce new ones as well as grow your business.

Employing an apprentice can bring huge benefits to your business. You can choose to put a current staff member onto an apprenticeship to develop their knowledge and skills or recruit a new apprentice for your workforce. Apprenticeship programmes combine work experience, practical learning and theory at college to make sure apprentices are fully qualified for the role they are employed in. Not all apprenticeships require college attendance. 

What are the benefits of having an Apprentice?

  • Introducing new and innovative ideas into the business through a young workforce
  • Cost-effective hiring and employee retention.
  • Funding and financial support for the training and qualifications essential for the sustainability of your business.
  • Succession Planning and addressing age demographics in the business.
  • Being competitive in the marketplace.

What criteria does my employee need to meet to get an apprenticeship?

  • Must be aged 16 and over.
  • Apprentices don’t necessarily need any qualifications, but some may require a general pass at Standard Grade or National 5.
  • No prior experience is required.
  • An initial assessment will be carried out to ensure the employee is suitable for the apprenticeship.

 

What types of apprenticeships are there?

Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Scotland’s national skills body administers Scottish Apprenticeships on behalf of the Scottish Government. There are 3 types of Apprenticeships – Foundation, Modern and Graduate. Find out more about these and the relevant pathways for offshore wind below.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS)

Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Scotland’s national skills body administers Scottish Apprenticeships on behalf of the Scottish Government, which incorporate:

Modern Apprenticeships (MAs)

For employers, modern apprenticeships help develop their workforce by training new staff, and upskilling existing employees.

Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs)

Graduate Apprenticeships provide work-based learning opportunities up to Master’s degree level for new and existing employees