Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Apprenticeship Awards
Contents |
[edit] About
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is Scotland’s national skills body, tasked with creating a skilled workforce that’s ready to face the future. Over 1,700 colleagues across the country work in schools, career centres and offices, face-to-face, over the phone or online, all are committed to helping people find rewarding careers.
For further information about SDS, their board and funding visit https://www.apprenticeships.scot/about/
[edit] Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is when someone works towards a qualification on the job. Apprentices work with experienced colleagues on real projects while putting into practice what they learn at college or university Employers can develop their existing staff or find and grow new talent. Apprenticeships create a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. They can tackle possible skills gaps, boost productivity and help a business stay competitive.
- Foundation Apprenticeships – are for pupils in S3 to S6. They choose this qualification as part of their subject choices and get the chance to work with employers.
- Modern Apprenticeships - Primarily aimed at people who are 16 to 24 although there is no upper age limit. A modern apprentice is employed and works towards a qualification with a college or learning provider.
- Graduate Apprenticeships – For anyone who is 16 or above - there's no upper age limit. A graduate apprentice is employed and works full-time while gaining an Honours or Masters degree.
SDS works closely with Scotland’s industries to make sure apprenticeships meet their needs and administer the funding for apprenticeships training, on behalf of the Scottish Government. Find out how to can get involved as an individual, employer or learning provider.
[edit] Apprenticeship Awards (Scotland only)
The SDS Scottish Apprenticeship Awards highlight the key role apprentices play in delivering the skills Scotland needs, both now and in the future, across the whole economy.
The Award categories include:
- Apprentice Ambassador of the Year
- Modern Apprentice of the Year – SCQF Level 6+
- Modern Apprentice of the Year – SCQF Level 5
- Graduate Apprentice of the Year
- Foundation Apprentice of the Year
- SME Employer of the Year
- Large Employer of the Year
- Apprentice Instructor of the Year
- Supporting Net Zero Employer of the Year
- Supporting Net Zero Apprentice of the Year
[edit] Nominations Open
Nominations close at noon on Wednesday 5 October 2022. The winners will be revealed during Scottish Apprenticeship Week which runs from 6 to 10 March 2023.
Nominations can be made online and the rules on how to nominate can be found here. For further information, please visit Scottish Apprenticeship Awards.
This article originally appeared as "Nominations are open for Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Apprenticeship Awards (Scotland only)" on the CIAT news and blog site on September 28 2022, with the introduction added from the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards website.
--CIAT
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Construction apprenticeships
- Apprenticeships levy.
- Building back better with apprenticeships.
- CIOB accepted onto register of end-point assessment organisations.
- Construction apprentice earnings.
- Government funded apprenticeship incentives.
- Government Skills and Curriculum Unit GSCU.
- National vocational qualification.
- Protection for apprenticeships.
- Skills.
Featured articles and news
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.



















