PROVIDERS of apprenticeships are to see their funding rise by 10% in 2027-28, the Scottish Government has announced.
Modern apprenticeship contribution rates support the training and assessment of the next generation of skilled workers, applying to new apprentice starts and apprentices in training from 2027/28.
The £8.8 million uplift applies to all types of apprenticeship frameworks, following phase one of the Scottish Government’s contribution rates review.
Scottish Government minister for innovation, technology, and tertiary education, Alyn Smith, said, “Apprenticeship training providers play a profoundly important role in equipping people with the skills they need to have successful careers. In doing so they make a significant contribution to a healthy economy.
“This funding increase demonstrates our commitment to Scotland’s apprenticeship system and to developing our future workforce. It will also provide greater stability for training providers within the context of a challenging financial environment. We want to see more high-quality apprenticeships to meet our skills needs and to support our vital public services. We look forward to expanding our modern and graduate apprenticeship offer in the future.
Stephanie Lowe, deputy chief executive of SNIPEF, commented, “We welcome this additional investment in Scotland’s modern apprenticeship programme. After several years in which the real value of apprenticeship funding has been steadily eroded, this 10% uplift is an important and much-needed step.
“For SNIPEF training services, as an employer-led managing agent for the plumbing and heating profession, maintaining rigorous standards and providing high-quality support to employers and apprentices are fundamental to what we do.
“We have worked closely with the Scottish Government over the past two years to demonstrate the resources required to deliver that service effectively, and this additional investment will help us continue to strengthen the quality and support we provide.
“However, this cannot be the end of the conversation. A successful apprenticeship system depends not only on properly resourced delivery, but on employers having the confidence, capacity and support to create and sustain apprenticeship opportunities.
“This is particularly important in safety-critical and delivery-critical professions such as plumbing and heating, where employers make a significant four-year commitment to developing the skilled professionals Scotland will need for decades to come.
“We therefore welcome this investment as an important first step and look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government on how we also support the employers at the heart of Scotland’s apprenticeship system.”
