Apprenticeship Funding Available for Perth and Kinross Employers

As employers across the Scotland continue to navigate recruitment challenges and skills shortages, apprenticeships remain one of the most practical and impactful ways to build your workforce, offering benefits that go far beyond simply filling a vacancy.

At their core, apprenticeships are more than training programmes; they are a tailored talent pipeline that helps businesses develop the skills they need, exactly how they need them. Rather than hiring talent with generic qualifications, employers can shape apprentices to fit their culture, processes and needs from day one.

Through their Future Works Employer Recruitment Incentive, the Skills and Employment Support (SES) team at Perth and Kinross Council is offering £4,000 in funding to help local employers create meaningful apprenticeship roles.

Why has PKC chosen to offer support for apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships continue to be one of the most effective ways to develop new talent, bridge skills gaps, and build a committed workforce. They allow individuals to earn while they learn, developing practical skills and confidence in a real work environment. For employers, apprenticeships offer a cost-effective, sustainable recruitment pathway that brings new energy and ideas into the business.

By participating in the Future Works incentive, employers play a vital role in supporting people who may face barriers to employment. This funding helps ensure that more residents can access the training and experience they need to thrive.

What Employers Need to Know

To qualify for the £4,000 apprenticeship funding, the following criteria apply:

• The apprentice must reside in Perth and Kinross.
  This ensures local people benefit directly from local opportunities.
• A contract of 30 hours or more per week is required.
  Roles should offer meaningful, sustained employment.
• The candidate must be currently unemployed.
  The initiative aims to support individuals who are seeking a route back into work.

If you're unsure where to start with recruitment, the SES Team can help. Working closely with a diverse pool of talented local individuals who are ready to begin their apprenticeship journey, the team helps businesses find candidates who align with their needs, values, and long-term goals.

Ready to Grow Your Team?

If you're planning ahead for recruitment, now is the ideal time to consider how an apprentice could contribute to your business. Whether you’re a small organisation looking for extra support or a growing company eager to invest in the next generation, this funding can make the process easier and more affordable.

To learn more about the £4,000 Future Works Employer Recruitment Incentive, or to discuss how the SES team can help you find the right apprentice, contact:
[email protected]

By working together we can unlock potential, strengthen our local workforce, and create real opportunities for people across Perth and Kinross.

Success in Action: Kenza’s Apprenticeship Journey

One fantastic example of the impact this funding can have is Kenza, featured in the video linked below. A local employer took a chance on her passion for baking, and with support from the Future Works incentive, Kenza was able to start a baking apprenticeship that has since flourished into a promising career path.

Her story highlights exactly why apprenticeships matter: they build confidence, skills, and independence while helping local businesses grow with motivated new talent.

More on Apprenticeships

A Strategic Investment in Your Business

National UK data shows that 86% of employers report that apprenticeships help them develop skills directly relevant to their organisation, and 80% see increased employee retention as a result of bringing apprentices onboard. Apprenticeships also contribute to a motivated, satisfied workforce with around 92% of companies saying apprenticeships positively impact staff morale. 

From a financial perspective, apprenticeship training can yield measurable gains. During the training period, employers can see estimated yearly gains of £2,500 to £18,000 per apprentice, driven by increased productivity, reduced recruitment costs, and smoother workforce integration. 

Feedback from UK businesses reinforces this: apprenticeships improve company image, support succession planning, and help organisations meet both current and future skills demands. A majority of employers surveyed also highlight improved productivity and workplace morale following the introduction of apprentice roles. 

Apprenticeships in Scotland

Modern Apprenticeship Participation

• 25,500+ people were supported into work, learning and earning through Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) in Scotland between April 2024 and March 2025.
  Source: Skills Development Scotland (SDS)

• There were 38,595 Modern Apprentices in training across Scotland as of September 2024, showing strong year-on-year growth.
  Source: SDS, MA Statistics Q2 2024–25

• Scotland’s apprenticeship system consistently meets or exceeds the national target of 25,000 new MA starts each year.
  Source: Scottish Government

Employer Engagement

• 1 in 6 Scottish employers (16%) offered apprenticeships in 2024.

• 10% of employers currently had apprentices in their workforce.
  Source: Employer Skills Survey 2024 – Scotland

• Employers report improved skills relevance, productivity, retention and morale when using apprenticeships to build their workforce.
  Source: Employer Skills Survey & SDS insight reports

Benefits to the Economy

• Apprenticeships continue to play a critical role in Scotland’s labour market, supporting key sectors such as construction, care, hospitality, digital, and engineering.

• High participation levels indicate strong demand for work-based learning pathways that match employer needs and address skills shortages.

Achievement & Outcomes

• Modern Apprenticeship achievement (successful completion) rates are typically around the mid-70% range, depending on provider and framework.
  Source: STF / SDS data

• Employment outcomes for MA completers remain strong, with most apprentices staying in work, progressing within their employer, or continuing onto enhanced qualifications.

Skills, Savings and Sustainability

For many businesses — especially smaller firms — apprenticeships offer a cost-effective route to recruitment and staff development. Funding incentives, such as government subsidies or employer recruitment incentives (like Perth & Kinross’s £4,000 support), make apprenticeships an even more attractive proposition. 

Crucially, apprenticeships also help tackle skills gaps. With many sectors reporting difficulty in filling entry-level and specialist roles, employers who invest in apprentices grow their own talent, filling skills gaps with people trained to their exact needs. In turn, this helps to future-proof the workforce and strengthening local labour markets.

To learn more about the £4,000 Future Works Employer Recruitment Incentive, or to discuss how the SES team can help you find the right apprentice, contact:
[email protected]