Achievement rates for Scottish Modern Apprenticeships are at an all time high, according to statistics published by Skills Development Scotland.
For the period 1 April to 26 December 2025, the achievement rate was 80% – an increase of 0.3% on the same period last year.
There were 18,245 Modern Apprenticeship starts at the end of Q3. This is 4.0% (-765) lower than last year with fewer starts across all age groups, in particular the 16-19 age group.
The largest decrease occurred amongst those aged 16-19 (-5.7% or -449), followed by the 20-24 group (-3.1% or-108) and those aged 25+ (-2.7% or -208).
Other key statistics include:
- Starts by gender: Male 62.1%; Female, 37.9%
- Starts by disability: 17% self-identified as disabled
- Starts by ethnicity: 6.8% self-identified as an ethnic minority
- Starts by care experience: 2.8% self-identified as care experienced.
As at 26 December 2025, there were 39,469 Modern Apprentices in training, 0.3% lower than last year (-120).
Economic Outlook
Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship system is anchored in the 11,000 businesses – over 90% of them SMEs – who invest in developing the future workforce.
Labour market projections show sustained long-term demand for apprenticeships. However, in the short term, rising business costs and weakened confidence – especially among SMEs – are reducing recruitment, particularly for young people.
SDS is responding through a flexible allocation strategy, targeted marketing and co-ordinated employer and provider engagement to stimulate demand.
Modern Apprenticeship Statistics Quarter 3 2025-26 (PDF)
Modern Apprenticeship Supplementary Tables Quarter 3 2025-26 (XLS)
