New figures for 2023-24 published on the SDS corporate website revealed there were 25,365 MA starts created in 2023/24, with 38,607 MAs in training at the end of the financial year.

Key highlights show that apprenticeships are supporting more young people from diverse backgrounds to access opportunities.

• Most MA starts were aged 16 to 24 years old, the majority of which were 16 to 19 years old.
• Highest ever levels of uptake from those who identified as being care experienced, disabled and from an ethnic minority.
• 23.5% of MA starts resided in the 20% most deprived areas, compared to 13.8% from the 20% least deprived areas.
• Achievement rate increased across all age groups year on year, with more completing an apprenticeship at higher SCQF levels.

Russell Coleman said: “I am delighted to see the uptake in Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland in the past year. It is further evidence that many more young people are seeing the benefits of being able to earn while they learn. University is not for everyone and the MA can offer a route to a well-paid and highly satisfying career.”