More than £100 million funding to support Modern and Foundation Apprenticeships in 2025-26 has been confirmed by education secretary Jenny Gilruth.

Contracts will now be issued by Skills Development Scotland to employers, training providers and colleges for Modern Apprenticeship starts and learning providers for Foundation Apprenticeship starts.

“Around 400,000 apprenticeship opportunities have been provided to young people across the country since 2008 and our latest funding commitment makes clear they will continue to be a key feature of Scotland’s education and skills system going forward,” Guthrie said.

“Apprenticeships provide vital opportunities for young people to acquire key skills and a route into high quality careers, helping the economy and creating sustainable jobs.

“Feedback from employers indicates that there are key skills gaps and we are aiming to focus investment on apprenticeships in sectors facing labour market shortages. I would encourage businesses to consider opportunities available to them, to help them adapt and sustain their operations.

“Supporting apprenticeships is just one part of the £2 billion we are investing each year in colleges, universities and the wider skills system, recognising the vital role they play in education and the economy.”

Recommended reading

• Hiring Activity Continues to Fall in Scotland Amid Skill Shortages
• Comment: Are Graduate Apprenticeships the Answer to Close Scotland’s Skills Gap?
• Is Skills-Based Hiring on the Rise in Scotland?

Chair of Skills Development Scotland Frank Mitchell said: “Created by employers, for employers, apprenticeships are crucial to unlocking economic opportunity in growth sectors.

“With demand from employers and young people remaining strong, SDS will continue working to maximise apprenticeship starts aligned to industry need within its available budget.

“Apprenticeships foster innovation, economic growth, and new opportunities whilst providing great social return, generating opportunities for many young people from Scotland’s most deprived communities.”