SSSC report rise in social services apprenticeships
By New To Care, ,

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) has reported an increase in the number of businesses and individuals benefiting from social services apprenticeships across the country.

From 2012/13 to 2013/14 there was an increase of more than 10% in the number of modern apprenticeship (MA) registrations in social services, from just under 2,700 to just over 3,000.

The number of 16 to 19 year olds undertaking a social service MA almost doubled between 2009/10 and 2013/14, from just over 800 to just over 1,600.

Over the same period the number of 25 year olds or older undertaking an MA fell from over 1,400 to around 130 (a decrease of around 90%). This change reflects the increased emphasis on using modern apprenticeships to tackle youth unemployment and the decrease in emphasis in using MAs to develop the existing workforce. Around 90% of MAs in social services are undertaken by women.

Across the social service workforce

Social care makes up approximately 80% of the social service workforce and day care services for children (including childminders) makes up approximately 20%.

During the period 2009/10 and 2013/14 around 60% of the MAs in social services were for people working in social care services and around 40% those in day care services for children.

Could you be an apprentice?

A modern apprenticeship is a great way to start or develop your career.  Not only do you learn while working, you gain a qualification too.

An apprentice is someone:

  • who is employed
  • who is learning on-the-job
  • earning a wage from day one
  • working towards an industry-recognised qualification.
Find out more

Visit the SSSC website to find out more about becoming a modern apprentice and the frameworks we manage.

Read more interesting articles about modern apprenticeships