“I’m passionate about the value of apprenticeships as a learning pathway to a varied and fulfilled career. It’s a great journey for young people looking for an alternative to university. An apprenticeship allows you to go as far as you want in your career!”
David Balfour is a lifelong advocate of the value of apprenticeships, as well as the career opportunities they open up.
Apprenticeships allow people to earn while they learn, and gain qualifications aligned with national occupational standards. They also offer on-the-job training, allowing employees to gain hands-on experience and confidence in their chosen field.
David’s learning journey
Excited at the prospect of learning through practical work in a professional environment, David decided the Modern Apprenticeship (MA) route was a great fit for him. He left school after 5th year to start an apprenticeship with Diageo in Leven, training as a Production Electrical Control & Instrumentation Technician. It gave him the chance to work, learn on the job and focus on a course at college that interested him.
During this time, he undertook studies from SCQF levels 5 to 8, completing an NC, HNC and HND in Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Adam Smith College (now Fife College). In 2006, David was delighted to be awarded not only the college prize for Best Electronics Student, but also Apprentice of the Year.
David then used his previous study to articulate on to the BSc Engineering at Abertay University. This was followed by a Masters in Risk and Safety Management at SCQF level 11. More recently, he has achieved an MBA with Distinction at Durham University.
He developed a real passion for learning and has really valued and enjoyed all of his education over the years. So much so that he is considering applying for a Doctor of Business Administration program. This would take him right to the top of the SCQF at level 12. But after so many successive years of study he fears that to pursue this opportunity right now would “… lead to divorce…”!
Apprenticeships have value
David feels that his apprenticeship really set him off on a learning journey that has seen him excel in the engineering field over the last two decades. This pathway equipped him with the practical skills and confidence to succeed in the workplace. Something that can’t be taught in a classroom.
In his current role as Maintenance Superintendent at The Oil and Pipelines Agency, he sees apprentices rising through the ranks. He explained: “As an apprentice, if you apply yourself and come with the right attitude, the opportunity can take you as far as you want to go in your career.
“Starting as an apprentice doesn’t limit where your career or learning journey can reach. It creates a solid foundation to build the future you want.”
Evidence to show the value of apprenticeships
Skills Development Scotland has evidence that employers who have taken on Modern Apprentices are positive about the experience. 96% say those who have undertaken an MA are more able to do their job.* They also praised MAs for improving productivity, staff morale, and service and product quality.
So, in considering the value of Modern Apprenticeships, they provide benefits for both the employee and the employer. That’s definitely a win-win all round.
*Source – https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/what-we-do/apprenticeships/modern-apprenticeships
Useful links
Whether you are an employer or an individual, you can find out more about apprenticeships at www.apprenticeships.scot
To find out more about where apprenticeships sit on the SCQF, visit the Interactive Framework.
Inspired by David’s story? Delve into our Modern Apprenticeship case studies,
Scotland’s economy is ever changing, and industries need a workforce with the right skills to keep up with new technology and global competition.
Apprenticeships play a big role in making sure people get the training and qualifications they need to gain the skills for a sustainable career.
Apprenticeships and SCQF levels
SCQF levels are embedded into Foundation, Modern and Graduate apprenticeship frameworks, which enables apprentices to gain the right level of competency, ability and skill to do their job. The SCQF levels of apprenticeships range from 5 to 12.
Many Scottish apprenticeships are taken at SCQF level 6 or above, meaning they provide advanced skills and knowledge to meet employer demand.
Over the past five years, the majority of Modern Apprentices have started at higher SCQF levels. In 2022/23, 80.9% of Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) were at SCQF Level 6 or above, increasing to 82.9% in 2023/24.
This steady rise shows a clear focus to give workers the skills they need for Scotland’s growing industries.
Creating more opportunities
Higher level apprenticeships are also helping more people from a range of backgrounds and abilities find high quality opportunities.
By making apprenticeships more inclusive, Scotland is creating a fairer job market and giving more people the chance to succeed.
The latest annual MA statistics showed that 80% of those who had declared as having a disability and 88% of those who declared being from an ethnic minority community have started apprenticeships at SCQF level 6 and over.
More than just a qualification
Scottish apprenticeships don’t just give people technical knowledge, they also help develop important meta-skills, like problem-solving, teamwork, communication and adaptability. These skills are useful in any job and help apprentices move into different roles as their careers progress.
This means that apprentices are not only learning practical skills, but also becoming confident and capable professionals who can adapt to changes in the workplace.
Building a strong future
Through these aspects and more, apprenticeships are helping Scotland build a skilled and adaptable workforce.
Developed to produce the skills needed to support industry, apprenticeships attract businesses to Scotland by ensuring there will be well-trained workers available, making the economy stronger and more competitive.
Apprenticeships are made for business, created in partnership with employers, for employers, making skilled individuals that benefit their businesses.
By providing strong technical training and valuable life skills, apprenticeships prepare people to meet today’s demands and for the jobs of the future.
This investment in skills is making Scotland more competitive and creating better opportunities for everyone.
For more information, visit apprenticeship.scot
Be inspired by our apprenticeship case studies.
View and compare apprenticeship SCQF levels on our Interactive Framework.
