The Modern Apprenticeship (MA) statistics for 2023-24 have been published (21 May) on the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) corporate website.
There were 25,365 MA starts created in 2023/24, with 38,607 MAs in training at the end of the financial year.
Key highlights show that apprenticeships are supporting more young people from diverse backgrounds to access opportunities.
• Most of the MA starts were aged 16 to 24 years old, the majority of which were 16 to 19 years-old.
• Year on year increase on 16 to 19 year-olds taking an apprenticeship, which indicates that young people have a more positive view of apprenticeships as a career choice on leaving education.
• Highest ever levels of uptake from those who identified as being care experienced (2.3%), disabled (17%) and from an ethnic minority (4.5%).
• 23.5% of MA starts resided in the 20% most deprived areas, compared to 13.8% from the 20% least deprived areas.
• MA achievement rate increased across all age groups year on year at 76%, with more completing an apprenticeship at higher SCQF levels (76.3% at SCQF L6 and above).
Partnership working between SDS, learning providers and employers have ensured individuals and businesses benefit from high quality skills provision through apprenticeships.
The statistics show the vital role apprenticeships play in meeting economic, environmental and health and wellbeing challenges and opportunities, helping Scotland to become a fairer, more equal society.