Ben Macpherson, Minister for Higher and Further Education, has confirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to reviewing the funding rates for Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland.
Speaking at the STF Apprenticeships & Skills Conference held in Glasgow this week, the Minister also confirmed the continuing commitment to a mixed delivery model of Modern Apprenticeships which values the role of training providers, colleges and employers.
Mr Macpherson, who replaced Graeme Dey in a mini-ministerial re-shuffle last month, expressed his sincere thanks to STF members for their ongoing energy and passion in delivering Scottish Apprenticeships. He described himself as a ‘listening Minister’ and said he was keen to engage with as many stakeholders as possible ahead of the Scottish Parliament election in May 2026.
This was the Minister’s first public engagement since his appointment. He spoke about the importance of the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill currently progressing through parliament and his belief that it was vital to ensuring a more streamlined and equitable system for employers and learners.
During a Q&A session with delegates, Mr Macpherson acknowledged frustrations with funding rates, bureaucracy and the UK Apprenticeship Levy.
Other speakers at the conference included new SQA Chief Executive, Nick Page: Scottish Funding Council Director, Jacqui Brasted: Skills Development Scotland Performance Manager, Helen Allison; and HM Inspector, Peter Connelly.
