Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026 takes place from 2 to 6 March, with the theme Working for Scotland.
The week shines a spotlight on the power of apprenticeships to create careers, build businesses, grow the workforce and get real returns for the economy.
There are currently around 12,000 apprentice employers in Scotland, investing in over 40,000 Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprentices.
Apprenticeships are working for Scotland’s employers, providing a pipeline of talent that is being supported and trained to meet their needs.
Scottish Apprenticeships are created in partnership with employers, for employers. Nine out of 10 employers say apprenticeships significantly improved job performance.
Apprentices are working for Scotland by adding value to the country’s businesses and developing in industries that support workforce demand.
The majority of Modern Apprenticeships are in Scotland’s growth sectors whilst 64% are employed in STEM-related roles.
Apprentice employers are working for Scotland, by providing opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds, which puts investment back into the nation’s economy.
In the last five years, there has been a rise in the share of those who started an apprenticeship declaring as care experienced, from a minority ethnic background or having a disability.
The campaign will demonstrate how Scottish Apprenticeships are critical to help grow and expand the nation’s workforce – giving people skills to thrive.
Modern Apprentices’ completion rates are at an all-time high. Meanwhile, 90% of individuals are still working for the employer they started their apprenticeship with, three months after completion.
From Shetland to the Borders, from family firms to global businesses, apprenticeships are working for Scotland.
A partner toolkit to support Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026 is available on apprenticeships.scot/scotappweek
