What is an apprenticeship and why they matter to the Highlands’ future

For those considering their next step after school, or thinking about a career change, an apprenticeship could be the perfect fit. Apprentices earn while you learn, gain hands-on experience, and work toward recognised qualifications. 

Right now, the Highlands is transforming. The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport is driving an exciting surge of growth in renewable energy, infrastructure and key industries like engineering, construction, logistics, IT and finance. Billions of pounds are being invested across the region, and with more than 10,000 new jobs expected, apprenticeships can play a pivotal role in delivering the skilled workforce needed to make it all happen. 

Apprenticeships offer the chance to start earning while also gaining experience in exciting industries. Last year alone, over 2,200 people across the Highlands were in Modern Apprenticeships – from school leavers to adults retraining for new careers (Skills Development Scotland). Apprenticeships are helping to make sure that people right here are at the heart of the transformation happening around them. 

A future-ready career route, right here 

Apprentices split their time between working alongside experienced professionals – developing the practical skills employers need – and studying for industry-recognised qualifications. Whether the focus is offshore wind, sustainable construction, digital infrastructure or any of the other growing sectors across the Highlands, an apprenticeship provides a stepping stone to a rewarding future. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. In Scotland, there are three main types of apprenticeships, each tailored to different stages of life and career goals. Foundation Apprenticeships are designed for school pupils, offering early experience in the workplace while gaining valuable vocational qualifications. Modern Apprenticeships offer the next level of opportunity, providing paid, practical training to help people start or advance their careers. For those looking to build higher-level skills, Graduate Apprenticeships offer a way to gain degree-level qualifications while continuing to work and earn. 

But apprenticeships aren’t just about gaining technical skills – they also help people build transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork and project management – all skills that employers in the Highlands are actively looking for. As industries like green energy grow, the demand for skilled people who can support them will only continue to increase, and apprenticeships are a fantastic way to get involved at the ground level. 

One great example is Ryan Walker, a Mechanical and Electrical Engineering apprentice who is helping power the Highlands’ green energy transition. Ryan’s apprenticeship has given him the chance to gain hands-on experience while building the skills that will shape his future. And he’s not alone – many others across the Highlands are already earning and learning in industries that are helping to shape the region’s future. 

Building a diverse workforce for the future 

This region needs a diverse workforce – graduates, tradespeople, career-changers, and young people starting from scratch. Apprenticeships are fundamental to building that pipeline of talent and ensuring that people from all backgrounds can access the exciting new career opportunities available. Whether just starting out or looking to make a change, apprenticeships offer a pathway to a career that works for you – and for the Highlands. 

As the green industries in the region grow, so too does the demand for skilled people to support them. The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport is at the heart of this growth, and with it comes the chance to be a part of something bigger. Apprenticeships provide a way to tap into that future, helping people gain the skills, confidence and connections to build a lasting career. The Highlands are changing – – and apprenticeships are helping to ensure the region’s people are ready to lead the way.