Modern Apprenticeships

Kick-start your NHS career with a Modern Apprenticeship

Leaving school and not sure what to do next? Are you thinking about changing careers but need guidance on where to start? A Modern Apprenticeship will help you unlock your potential so you can learn the knowledge and skills you’ll need for a successful career.

We use Modern Apprenticeships to attract new talent for our workforce and upskill our existing employees who want to progress in their careers.

How to become a modern apprentice

Becoming a modern apprentice is a great way to start your career in the NHS. An NHSScotland Health Board will employ you while you work towards a nationally recognised qualification with a college or learning provider.  

You don’t need to be a school leaver. You can apply for a Modern Apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 24 or up to 29 if you’re disabled or care experienced. Modern Apprenticeship vacancies are listed on our recruitment website.

If you’re already working in the NHS, there may be opportunities to do a Modern Apprenticeship to boost your career.

Ready to take a step closer to achieving your career goals? Speak to your manager or reach out to your board’s learning and education team to find out more.

Modern Apprenticeship facts

What you need to know about becoming a Modern Apprentice in NHSScotland:

• Entry requirements can include National 4, National 5, or Higher qualifications, depending on the Modern Apprenticeship type and role.
• You'll be paid at least the Scottish Living Wage. All our vacancies include salary information.
• Most Modern Apprenticeships take 12 to 24 months to complete, but some can take up to 4 years.
• Your qualification will be accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), so you can be sure your training and knowledge are up-to-date and transferable to other employers.
• You must be eligible to work in the UK. You'll also need to meet Skills Development Scotland’s funding criteria.

Find out more about Modern Apprenticeships in the NHS.

Find the right Modern Apprenticeship for you

There are lots of different Modern Apprenticeship opportunities in the NHS.

You could be a theatre support worker helping to prepare patients for a general anaesthetic before surgery. The Technical Apprenticeship in Pharmacy Services will help you get the experience and skills you'll need as a pharmacy technician. A Modern Apprenticeship in Business Administration will give you the opportunity to develop skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving in an office environment. 

You’ll also find lots of Modern Apprenticeship opportunities in the wider health and care sector.

Which Modern Apprenticeship could you do?

Modern Apprenticeship programmes available in NHSScotland include:

• Business Administration
• Dental Nursing
• Digital Technology
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Healthcare Support (clinical and non-clinical)
• IT and Telecommunications
• Life Science and Related Science Industries
• Mechanical Engineering
• Plumbing
• Pharmacy Services
• Prosthetics and Orthotics Technician

Learn more about Modern Apprenticeship types.