North East Scotland College is ramping up Modern Apprenticeship (MA) provision across a range of key sectors.
Many employers have already secured their apprenticeship places for recruits starting their training in the 2026/27 academic year.
In excess of 300 new MAs are expected to be enrolled with NESCol and employers are being encouraged to apply now to take advantage of newly allocated funding.
An MA provides the opportunity to learn new skills and achieve industry-recognised qualifications whilst working and earning.
Apprenticeships typically last from two to four years. The Scottish Government provides funding to cover the cost of the College course fees for each apprenticeship in most cases, whilst the employer pays the salary of the employed trainee.
NESCol delivers MAs across seven areas: automotive; business and management; care (including childcare and healthcare); construction (including civil engineering); hairdressing; logistics and warehousing.
Duncan Abernethy, Assistant Principal Curriculum and Commercial Development at NESCol, said: “Apprenticeships are an established driving force for the sectors that underpin the North East economy. They have played a significant role in the prosperity of the businesses and communities we serve and will continue to do so for generations to come.
“Traditional apprenticeships in the broad range of construction disciplines – including brickwork, carpentry and joinery and painting and decorating – remain integral to our delivery. Over time the apprenticeship family has widened to include training in the likes of business and administration as well as logistics and warehousing, responding to specific regional demand.
“Our College joins forces with employers, working with more than 1,200 businesses and organisations each year, and collaborates with other key partners to make sure the education and training we shape is what the North East needs.
“NESCol’s broad apprenticeship offer reflects that and covers areas of demand that equip the region’s workforce for success across a range of different disciplines. Up to 1,000 MAs are part of the College community at any one time, learning with us for up to four years, and we are proud of the contribution they make.
“We are already seeing strong demand for 2026/27 from employers and our advice is always to make contact at the earliest opportunity to reserve contract places from the allocation we have received.”
MAs at NESCol combine practical, on‑the‑job experience with structured training delivered by specialist teams. Apprentices learn in real environments, supported by assessors who understand the pace and expectations of industry. Programmes are designed to help employers strengthen their talent pipeline, upskill existing staff, and build long‑term workforce resilience.
NESCol is one of the largest providers of vocational education and training in Scotland, delivering to more than 20,000 full-time, part-time and online learning students each year. The College serves an area covering more than 2,500 square miles and operates from its main Aberdeen Altens, Aberdeen City and Fraserburgh campuses as well as the Scottish Maritime Academy in Peterhead. The Altens Campus incorporates the Energy Transition Sills Hub, launched in 2025 to drive the North East’s net zero ambitions.
For further information contact MAteam@nescol.ac.uk or visit www.nescol.ac.uk/for-employers.