No images? Click here
Guidance on new apprenticeship committee
The Scottish Government has published draft statutory guidance on the establishment of a new apprenticeship committee within the Scottish Funding Council, ahead of the transfer of responsibility for apprenticeships and work-based learning under the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Act 2026.
Scottish Government says it intends to engage with a range of stakeholders to discuss the draft guidance and gather views to help inform its finalisation.
Feedback sessions
There are two open sessions available for anyone who has an interest in the guidance – these will be online and last an hour each.
Online survey
If you are unable to attend an event, you can provide your views through the Scottish Government’s online survey The deadline for responses is midnight on Friday 28 August 2026.
New Modern Apprenticeships – provider webinars
New Modern Apprenticeships coming soon: Trees and Timber at SCQF 5&6; Logistics, Warehousing, Distribution, Storage and Removals at SCQF 5, 6 &7
Development of the new Modern Apprenticeships in Trees and Timber (SCQF Levels 5 and 6) and Logistics, Warehousing, Distribution, Storage and Removals (SCQF Levels 5, 6 and 7) is progressing well and is now in its final stages.
The Apprenticeship Frameworks have been approved in principle by the Apprenticeship Approvals Group, associated SVQ qualification products have been approved, and Qualifications Scotland have prepared the qualifications for accreditation.
To support delivery planning and stakeholder engagement, SDS will be hosting two provider webinars:
- Logistics, Warehousing, Distribution, Storage and Removals – Tuesday 8 September, 11:00am–12:30pm
- Trees and Timber – Tuesday 15 September, 11:00am–12:30pm
For further information, or to register your interest in the apprenticeships or webinars, please contact liz.walker@sds.co.uk
SESAP roll out: a simpler way to support provider engagement
Following positive feedback from learning providers, SDS is moving from individual team action plans to a new Self-Evaluation Single Action Plan (SESAP) hosted in FIPS.
SESAP is designed to make provider engagement simpler, more consistent and easier to manage by reducing duplication, improving visibility and streamlining how information is shared, submitted and reviewed.
A recent pilot helped test the system, refine the user experience and identify improvements ahead of wider roll out. The pilot showed that SESAP can support more consistent ways of working and strengthen collaboration between SDS and learning providers.
What happens next?
SESAP is due to be rolled out to learning providers week commencing 3 August 2026. Further information, guidance and support will be shared ahead of launch to help providers prepare and ensure a smooth transition.
For any questions or further information contact PilotSESAP@sds.co.uk
Building Inclusive and Anti-Racist Systems
We're delighted to welcome Radiant and Bright on Thursday 30 July for an interactive online CPD session designed to inspire reflection, share good practice and support inclusive approaches across the apprenticeship sector. We hope you'll join us for what promises to be a valuable and thought-provoking discussion.
1:30pm - 4pm, Thursday 30 July
Re-development of the Modern Apprenticeship in Electronic Security Systems
The review and redevelopment of the Modern Apprenticeship in Electronic Security Systems continues to make strong progress, supported by an active Apprenticeship Development Group.
Since September 2025, the project has completed a comprehensive review of the National Occupational Standards, the Scottish Vocational Qualification structure, credit and level considerations, and Core Skills signposting. Extensive employer engagement has helped ensure that the proposed apprenticeship reflects current industry practice, emerging technologies and the evolving skills requirements. The project has moved into the final stages of qualification and apprenticeship development.
Specialist input to the developments from colleagues from New College Lanarkshire has been greatly appreciated. Subject to the successful completion of the remaining approval activity, the revised apprenticeship is expected to be ready for implementation early in 2027.
For further information, please contact Abigail.Kinsella@sds.co.uk
Transgender Awareness E‑learning – now available
An updated Transgender Awareness e‑learning module is now available to learning providers via the SDS Learning Management System.
Reviewed by Scottish Trans, the module provides a practical introduction to key terminology, legal context and inclusive practice, helping you build confidence in supporting trans colleagues and customers. The module takes around 45 minutes to complete.
If you have any questions, please contact equality.apprenticeships@sds.co.uk
Help Shape Future Skills in Digital Technology, Automotive and Life Sciences
We are seeking feedback from employers, learning providers and stakeholders to help shape the future of skills, apprenticeships and qualifications across the Digital Technology, Automotive and Life Sciences sectors.
Through recent research and scoping activity, we have identified a range of occupations, skills needs and emerging workforce trends. We now want to hear directly from those working in these sectors to ensure our findings reflect the realities of industry and the skills required for the future.
Over the coming weeks, we will be engaging with employers and industry stakeholders to gather their views. We encourage you to take part in the consultation and share this opportunity with your employers and colleagues.
Your feedback will help shape future apprenticeship frameworks, qualifications and National Occupational Standards, ensuring they continue to meet the needs of employers, learners and Scotland’s economy.
