Modern Apprenticeships help employers to develop their workforce by training new staff, and upskilling existing employees. For eligible individuals, a Modern Apprenticeship is a job that lets them earn a wage while gaining an industry-recognised qualification.

Attain Training works closely with the employers involved in this programme as all our Modern Apprenticeship programmes are work based. Following the loss of some college provision for the print industry in Scotland and the inability to obtain college provision in the UK, we have designed workbooks that support the print industry qualifications offering learning materials and activities that the apprentice follows in the workplace. These workbooks explain the employer involvement but we also encourage the employers to appoint a mentor to support the apprentices. Should it be necessary or desired we will train and support these mentors to become qualified assessors. Our own assessors will visit regularly to carry out the required assessment and to give support to the apprentice, internal mentors and employers. Reviews are carried out on each visit but on a quarterly basis a formal review takes place with the employer, apprentice and our own assessors. All achievements are recorded and discussed with the apprentice and employer. Any apprentice not progressing to target will be discussed with the employer and support put in place where required or negotiation with employers to ensure the relevant experience is given within an agreed timescale.

Employers employ the recruits under our apprenticeship programme and follow a training plan that is agreed when the trainee starts. We carry out an initial assessment of the candidate and the work to be carried out in discussion with the employer. While we may have a number of apprentices on the same programme, they will all be required to follow an individual programme according to their ability and the work being carried out. With a training plan, employers agree and know the route the apprentice is required to take. Employers are advised to supply a mentor to work with the apprentice.

Employers recruit directly but there are times when potential candidates approach us. We can make contact with companies to check if any vacancies or possible future vacancies could be filled from the approach. We can also assist employers by offering a recruitment service where we test candidates to ensure their suitability for the post.

Attain Training worked with British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), Proskills (Standard Setting Body) and Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in the development and writing of the National Occupational Standards and the structuring of the Scottish Vocational Qualifications that in turn make the Modern Apprenticeship framework

Modern Apprenticeships are funded by Skills Development Scotland.

Modern Apprenticeships are fully funded in the 16-19 age group and half funded for the 20-24 age group.