For businesses in Tayside and North East Fife, one of the biggest challenges is finding employees with the right skills. Technology is advancing, regulations are constantly evolving and the demand for specialised scientific skills and knowledge continues to grow. These factors can create skills gaps, slow business growth and put extra strain on your teams.

Modern Apprenticeships through our Science Futures project can help employers bring in motivated individuals who can learn while contributing to the business, developing practical skills that directly support the needs of your business.

Modern Apprenticeships can also support the development of existing employees. Many businesses choose to enrol current staff on an apprenticeship or SVQ qualification so they can build new skills while gaining recognised qualifications. Whether you’re looking to upskill employees already in your team or bring in new talent, these programmes provide practical, industry-relevant training designed to meet the needs of your business.

Why Science Apprenticeships Matter

Imagine bringing in a new team member who is eager to learn, ready to get involved and trained specifically to meet the needs of your business. 

Modern Apprenticeships provide structured, practical experience while they work. Apprentices spend time applying what they learn at college, allowing them to quickly take on meaningful tasks and support your team.

This approach can be particularly effective for addressing science and manufacturing businesses facing skills shortages. Apprentices can assist with day-to-day operations, tackle specific projects and develop the expertise needed to take on more complex responsibilities, helping you strengthen your team and keep your business competitive.

Apprentices can bring in fresh perspectives and energy while:

• Supporting ongoing projects and easing workloads for existing staff
• Identifying inefficiencies or suggesting improvements in processes
• Developing problem-solving skills that allow them to work independently on practical challenges
• Building confidence and resilience while gaining industry-relevant knowledge

Over time, apprentices become valuable contributors, capable of handling more complex work and helping improve operations across your business.

Real Impact: Abi’s Journey At Abertay University

Take the example of Abigael Lindsay, who completed her Modern Apprenticeship while working at Abertay University. Abi started with a foundation-level apprenticeship and is now a key member of the technical team, preparing lab classes, improving lab processes and supporting students with confidence and skill.

Her supervisor, Angus Jackson, says: “It’s been incredible to witness Abigael’s growth and confidence throughout her journey. She now has the perfect combination of workplace experience and transferable skills that will undoubtedly boost her future career.”

Abi’s story demonstrates how Modern Apprenticeships help businesses develop skilled, adaptable and loyal employees who can contribute immediately to your organisation whilst continuing to grow in their roles.

Apprenticeships Tailored To Your Business

Modern Apprenticeships are flexible and can be designed to suit the needs of your organisation. Some of the options include:

Life Sciences & Related Industries

MA in Life Science and Related industries at SCQF Level 7 (Two-Three year course)

A choice of:

• SVQ Laboratory & Associated Technical Activities Industrial Science (SCQF Level 7)
• SVQ Laboratory Skills – Life Sciences (SCQF Level 7)
• SVQ Laboratory & Associated Technical Activities Educational (SCQF Level 7)

AND

• Completion of a Professional Development Award (PDA) in Laboratory Science
• Or an HNC in Applied Sciences

MA in Life Science & Related Industries at SCQF Level 6 (Two-Year Course)

A choice of:

• SVQ Laboratory & Associated Technical Activities Industrial Science (SCQF Level 6)
• SVQ Laboratory Skills – Life Sciences (SCQF Level 6) 

AND

• National Progression Award (NPA) in Applied Sciences (SCQF Level 5)
  

Process Manufacturing 

MA in Process Manufacturing at SCQF Level 6

• SVQ Processing Industries Operations – Controlling Operations (SCQF Level 5 & 6)

AND

• Core Skills (SCQF Level 5)

Funding Support

You might be wondering about the costs involved; government funding could help cover your training costs. Modern Apprenticeships are supported by Skills Development Scotland, which covers programme costs for SVQ and HNC/PDA or NPA qualifications. Once completed, there are also opportunities to progress to day-release HND programmes in Applied Biological Sciences at Fife College, which may also be funded.

Science Futures works closely with your business to find the right training and funding options, making it easy to invest in your workforce and bring in new talent.

How Science Futures Supports Employers

Science Futures is here to support employers in finding the right training to help their organisation grow and thrive.

Our Apprenticeship programmes provide practical, industry-relevant training designed to meet the specific needs of your company. Our dedicated and friendly team will help support you by:

• Identifying your business needs to ensure your employees receive the right training to support your goals.
• Helping you to address skills gaps by supporting the recruitment of suitable candidates for Modern Apprenticeships.
• Providing tailored and structured training programmes which enable your employees to thrive and make an impact from day one.
• Advise on funding opportunities to help maximise your investment in workforce development.
• Offer dedicated support from our team throughout the process to ensure your employees succeed throughout their training journey.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers play an important role in the success of a Modern Apprentice. Apprentices must be employed members of staff, meaning employers are responsible for paying wages and providing the time needed to complete their qualification – typically through one day per week release to college.

You will also be responsible for providing support, guidance and access to relevant work experiences that allow your apprentice to develop their skills and meet their learning outcomes.

Many employers also use Modern Apprenticeships to support the development of existing staff. By enrolling current employees on an apprenticeship programme, businesses can build skills within their team while helping employees gain recognised qualifications.

In return, you’ll gain a motivated, resilient and highly skilled employee who contributes to your business from day one.

Taking The Next Step

If your business faces skills gaps, process challenges or a need for future-ready employees, Modern Apprenticeships offer a practical solution.

Science Futures supports employers in recruiting, training and guiding apprentices so they can make an immediate contribution while building long-term expertise. Reach out today to explore how a Modern Apprenticeship could strengthen your team and help your business thrive.

About Science Futures

Science Futures is an innovative project funded by the Scottish Government as part of the Tay Cities Regional Deal that brings together leading educational and industry partners across Tayside and North East Fife’s science sector. The project aims to drive growth and inspire people to pursue rewarding careers in science.

Led by Dundee and Angus College, the project also supports businesses by providing industry-focused training programmes designed to develop a skilled talent pipeline, helping to fuel the growth and success of the science sector throughout the region.