FAQs

Will I have to go away to college?

We currently deal with around 16 different colleges. Only if the course cannot be offered at UHI Shetland you will  need to attend college outwith Shetland. 

One of our training co-ordinators will always be available to you to offer guidance and advice.

Who pays for the training?

Skills Development Scotland pays a contribution which in some cases will meet the training delivery cost. Your employer may also have to pay towards the cost of training.

If you have to travel to the Scottish Mainland for your training, your employer will pay the costs of travel and accommodation and some of these costs can be reclaimed from Skills Development Scotland.

How much will I get paid?

You will agree your rate of pay with your employer. As a minimum, you will be paid in line with the apprentice National Minimum Wage rates which will apply for the first year of your apprenticeship.

What the are benefits of becoming a Modern Apprentice?

Vocational qualifications and training are recognised as being essential to business success. This route is a good career choice and gives you the skills you need in the workplace.

Vocational qualifications are specifically designed to bring maximum benefits to you and your employer, and include:

• A nationally recognised qualification
• Practical and relevant job training
• The skills and experience needed to do the job
• Improved career prospects

How does studying work?

While the majority of training requirements can be met in the workplace, this is often supported by college study – either on a day or block release basis, or by distance or e-learning.

How do I apply?

You will need to apply directly to the employer. Some employers will advertise and we will list the vacancies on our website here: Apprenticeships - Apprentice Vacancies . They may also advertise in other local media or on Apprenticeship information for employers

Not all employers advertise. You will therefore have to contact employers directly to ask if they are taking on an apprentice. Sometimes employers may decide to start you on an apprenticeship after you have been employed with them for a time.

If you are interested in a particular industry where you are able to enter at an apprentice level and then progress, we would recommend that you prepare your CV and contact local companies who offer opportunities in that area. For advice on how to approach employers and preparing for interviews please contact SDS Careers service Shetland Islands - Skills Development Scotland

Contact UHI Shetland and learn about how you can progress your career as a Modern Apprentice.

There are several ways you can contact us:

• Complete our Contact Form located here - 
• Email apprenticeships.shetland@uhi.ac.uk
• Call us on 01595 771210
• Visit us at our UHI Shetland office our address is - John Goodlad Centre, Port Arthur, Scalloway, ZE1 0UN.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Is there an upper age limit on Apprenticeships?

Yes. Skills Development Scotland issues the government funding to pay for apprenticeship training. Each year they update their targets and programme rules. The main target group is 16 – 19 year olds; however they do occasionally offer funding to apprentices over 20 years of age. Please contact us directly and we will be able to give you the current, up-to-date funding information.