Building a career from a Modern Apprenticeship

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025 celebrates apprentices and highlights the contribution they make to businesses as well as the opportunities for young people across Scotland.

We support the Scottish Government Modern Apprenticeship Programme which sees apprentices learn on the job, get vital experience and work towards a recognised qualification while being paid a fair wage.

Chloe started as a Modern Apprentice with Social Security Scotland in 2022, after graduating from university where she had studied politics and sociology.

She joined our Procurement and Commercial department which secures the goods and services we need for our offices and to support our delivery of benefits to people across Scotland.

“I wasn’t sure if I had another study bone in my body after being at university, but it coincided with working and getting paid for it. It was more enjoyable to get the apprenticeship qualification.

“Apprenticeships aren’t too heavy on studying. It’s more about putting in the work to provide evidence to pass the qualification.

“It’s a really good way to get qualified and it’s a great stepping stone into the Civil Service.”

Since her Modern Apprenticeship, Chloe has achieved two promotions and has found an area of work she thrives in.

“I wouldn’t have known to look for a job in procurement but one of my university friends was already doing a procurement apprenticeship with the Scottish Government. He told me a bit about his role, and dealing with contracts and engaging with suppliers sounded really interesting to me.

“I’m really glad the Modern Apprenticeship came up because I’m not sure how I would have gotten into procurement any other way.

“It gives you a level of knowledge you wouldn’t have through other qualifications. It has allowed me to get experience with a range of suppliers, gain loads of knowledge about the public sector and learn how important it is to use public money wisely.”

Chloe’s Modern Apprenticeship has now come full circle, and she is now supporting another apprentice.

“I’m currently managing a Modern Apprentice who joined last July. I’ll be supporting her through her probation. It’s an ideal fit to help her get her qualification since I’ve been through the process.

“The team I work with are so supportive and help you build up your knowledge and get valuable experience, and I’m looking forward to passing that on.”

Supporting Modern Apprenticeships is an essential part of our ongoing strategy to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the Scottish population we serve. By investing in apprenticeships, we create accessible career pathways, attract talent from a wide range of backgrounds and develop the workforce for the future.

This commitment not only strengthens our organisation but ensures we remain inclusive and equipped to understand the needs of the communities we support.”