Apprenticeship pathways to build a future Highland workforce

7th June 2026

Highland Council's education committee members have praised the apprenticeship programmes offering more young people the chance to learn skills and equip them for the world of work.

Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) and Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) in Highland are growing strongly, with participation now well above national averages.

The take-up of these apprenticeships is considered an area of success within The Highland Council’s own dedicated skills programme – ‘My Highland Future’.

At the education committee meeting (Wednesday 3 June) a progress update was given on seven major projects within the My Highland Future Delivery Plan. Overall, the programme is on track, with solid progress reported in apprenticeships, digital learning, the forging of links between the curriculum and industry and targeted school interventions.

The number of young people in Highland taking Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) has grown from 288 in 2020/21 to 661 in 2025/26.

Around 10 per cent of all senior‑phase pupils in Highland now take an FA - significantly higher than the Scottish average.

Training is delivered through a range of private and public sector partners, including UHI.

Schools are increasingly delivering FAs in‑house, especially in construction skills.

FAs give S5–S6 pupils real workplace experience and industry‑recognised qualifications, improving the move into employment, apprenticeships or college.

A total of 138 Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) placements were supported in 2025/26, and the council is aiming to expand this offering in-house, as well as in partnership with Skills Development Scotland.

Support for apprenticeships is being built into the social value and community benefit contributions linked to future development contracts based in the region, and a new Workforce North Co-investment fund will provide the opportunity for additional funding to grow both modern and foundation apprenticeships moving forwards.

Wednesday’s meeting included a presentation on Workforce North, a partnership created to provide clear routes into jobs, apprenticeships and training in Highland as opportunities emerge in the coming years.

The council has also expanded the number of available paid summer placements available across various departments.

From a pilot programme of seven placements in 2025, the project has grown to offer over 80 placements across the Council, NHS Highland and partner employers.

The Delivery Plan (2024–27) includes a total of 57 projects across six portfolio boards.

Chair of Highland Council’s education committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “Apprenticeships are a key part of our workforce strategy. They give our young people an opportunity to earn, learn and build confidence in their first steps towards rewarding careers.

“It’s crucial that young people get the chance to develop their skills and talents here in Highland - these apprentices learning in school today will have a big role to play in supporting our essential services and filling the skills gaps we need to strengthen our infrastructure and grow the Highland economy in the years to come.”

Read the full report here: https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/5354/education-committee