The apprenticeship once played a fundamental role in ensuring industry had an on-going supply of human resources in skilled trades, especially those required by heavy industry and manufacturing. Today, however, an increasing number of openings deal with information technology. The expected responsibilities and required qualifications therefore tend to reflect this shift towards IT
Many openings continue to be available in non-IT areas, however, so the exact nature of apprenticeships varies considerably. Those openings in IT fields typically offer the opportunity to achieve industry qualifications whilst cultivating invaluable experience and career-path enrichment. Other positions may deal with administration, mechanical engineering, management, catering, to name a few
Apprenticeships in areas not involving the pursuit of high-level technical certification may pay hourly rates of approximately £2.50 or the weekly equivalent. Positions in engineering or similarly technical fields offer median salaries of £20,000. Sales and management positions may involve performance bonuses that can boost total remuneration to double this level.

• Having excellent communication skills.
• Being self motivated and proactive.
• Being able to work with a team.
• Having a genuine interest in developing a career.
• Being diplomatic and tactful.
• Having organisational skills.
• Having high attention to details.
• Being able to work under pressure.
• Having decision making abilities.
• Having interpersonal skills.

Apprenticeship schemes are available for people over 16 years old and require three A levels and six GCSE´s (A
*-C). In Scotland there are no minimum academic requirements, but it is necessary that every course indicates the levels and types of qualifications required by employers. These apprenticeship schemes have three levels including intermediate, advanced, and higher. By the end of the last level apprentices could have an NVQ level 4 or a foundation degree.

Qualifications delivered by these courses include National Vocational Qualifications, Key Skills qualifications, and technical certificates.