Modern Apprenticeship opportunities with SQA
Monday 03 March 2025
Pictured L-R are SQA Modern Apprentices Jack Miller, Ross Coyle, and Louise Rainey
SQA is once again giving young people the opportunity to take up a modern apprenticeship in one of several roles based at its office in Glasgow.
To mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, SQA is recruiting six modern apprentices aged between 16 to 19* across a variety of business areas, including IT Service Desk, Chief Executive’s Office, Commercial Contracts, Data and Analytics, and SQA International.
Each apprentice will earn as they learn on a variety of one and two year training programmes. The apprentices will gain work-based learning experiences working with teams across SQA, while studying for nationally recognised qualifications including Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) and Higher National Certificates (HNCs).
As Scotland’s national awarding and accreditation body, SQA oversees the delivery of thousands of qualifications that are available in schools, colleges, training facilities and workplaces in Scotland and around the world. As an employer, SQA is committed to providing high-quality modern apprenticeship opportunities to young people from all backgrounds.
Jack Miller is a modern apprentice in Business and Administration and joined SQA’s Strategic Planning and Governance team in August 2024.
Speaking about why he applied for a Modern Apprenticeship last year, Jack said: “Having just left school, I initially had my heart set on university, but I then saw an advert for a Modern Apprenticeship at SQA. I thought, ‘Why not?’ I’d have the chance to earn a salary at the same time as getting practical experience of the workplace and meeting new people. It’s the best decision I have ever made.”
Louise Rainey also joined SQA in 2024. Now part of the Business Development team, Louise is responsible for supporting sales teams across Scotland and the rest of the UK. Louise said: “After seeing the job advert on a few different websites, I decided to take a look into it. I was surprised because I had never thought about working with SQA but since starting I’m grateful for the opportunity and glad I applied.”
Sarah Anne Rooney, Employee Development Programme Manager, who leads SQA’s Modern Apprenticeship programme, says SQA’s responsibility is to give its apprentices the skills, experience, and confidence to take the next step in their career or education journey.
She explains, “As an employer, we are committed to making sure anyone who joins the organisation has the opportunity to access high-quality training and support. This is especially true of our modern apprentices, who we will ensure are on the right path for them so they can go on to achieve valuable SQA qualifications, develop their knowledge, skills, and experience, and help them reach their potential.
“SQA placements offer valuable first-time experiences within specific business areas, meaning young people who undertake apprenticeships are in an excellent position to secure full-time employment down the line, or continue their education and training. Our vocational qualifications are part of nationally recognised apprenticeship frameworks, ensuring they are valuable to employers across the country.”
SQA’s modern apprentices are provided with a support network to help them make the most of their placement. Line managers and external assessors help them develop and evidence their newly acquired skills to help them achieve their qualifications, whilst a mentor works with them to identify and plan for their future career aspirations.
Applications for the modern apprenticeship positions are now being accepted and will close on Thursday 24 April. Further details on each of the Modern Apprenticeship positions are available on the Modern Apprenticeship pages of the website.