SQA supports vital apprenticeships and training throughout the UK

The Scottish Qualifications Authority, Scotland’s national awarding and accreditation body, has announced that it will shortly begin recruiting for its annual intake of Modern Apprentices.

Modern Apprenticeships allow school leavers and young people in Scotland to develop essential skills and job-relevant work experience, while continuing their learning at a college or with another training provider.

SQA works with schools in its local communities near its offices in Glasgow and Dalkeith in Midlothian to identify young people suitable for opportunities on its Pathway Apprenticeship programme.

For the past four years, SQA has offered these apprenticeships; giving local school leavers the chance to gain a valuable two-year training position, working with a variety of teams throughout the organisation.

Successful applicants have the opportunity to complete a Scottish Vocational Qualification (level 3) in Business and Administration, and a Higher National Certificate in Administration and IT at a local college during their employment.

As part of the recruitment activity, SQA has produced a short film – “Become a MA at SQA” – featuring its current apprentices, explaining why they applied for training positions at Scotland’s national awarding body.

SQA is committed to supporting the delivery of apprenticeships throughout the whole UK; developing and certificating the SVQs and HNCs that contribute to Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland, while providing specialist assessment expertise and guidance to employers developing the new Trailblazer apprenticeship frameworks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Maidie Cahill, Director of Corporate Services at SQA, said: “Apprentices can play a vital role in any organisation, bringing an enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and develop their skills. Since 2012 we have recruited 15 young people to work at our sites in Glasgow and Dalkeith. We work closely with local schools and across the community to identify candidates who are eager to earn a wage learn while learning, and contributing to the success of their employer.”

For more information about Apprenticeships at SQA and how to apply for them, visit www.sqa.org.uk/pathways.

For further details on the support and guidance SQA can offer to organisations developing Trailblazer apprenticeship frameworks, visit www.sqa.org.uk/trailblazers.