Vocational training

This advice applies in Scotland only.

Scotland has a variety of vocational training programmes designed to help young disabled people gain valuable work experience, develop skills, and get qualifications. These programs are tailored to meet the needs of individuals, helping them move forward into learning, work, or volunteering.

Learning by doing

Many people find the best way to learn is by doing.

Opportunities can vary depending on geographical area. Skills Development Scotland, the national agency funded by the Scottish Government, manages several national training programmes. These improve job skills while providing work experience and, in many cases, they can also provide formal qualifications.

Some programmes offer paid work, or allow people to study for a qualification and work at the same time. They all offer opportunities that can be tailored to the particular needs of disabled young adults. The best way to find out about what’s on offer is to get in touch with a Career Centre in your area. You can use Skill Development Scotland’s search tool.

Activity Agreements

These are schemes provided by local councils.

An adviser works with the young person to create a personalised programme of activities and training to reduce barriers to progression. Support is provided until a positive destination – i.e. a place in learning, training or employment – is reached.

It’s free and participants may be eligible for Education Maintenance Allowance or another training allowance.

Visit the Skills Development Scotland website to speak to an adviser, find your nearest office, or email through the website.

Fair Start Scotland

This is an employment service for Scotland. It supports unemployed disabled people aged 16 and over who need help to enter or remain in the labour market. It replaces the UK Government’s Work Programme.

An adviser creates a personalised plan to support participants into work, with pre-work support for 12–18 months, and up to 12 months of additional support once someone is in work. It costs nothing to take part and does not affect benefit entitlements.

To find out more visit the Scottish Government and Employability in Scotland websites.

Modern and Foundation Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship combines work and study at the same time. The Scottish Government has introduced two new kinds of apprenticeships aimed at getting young people into work.

Foundation Apprenticeships

These are unpaid and open to pupils from S4–S6 or studying Highers in college. They allow young people to combine workplace or college training alongside their other subjects. Foundation Apprentices can start a career while still at school, or progress to a Modern Apprenticeship more quickly. In addition, many Scottish universities and colleges recognise the qualification. This means the student may also move into further education if they wish.

Foundation Apprenticeships usually last for 2 years.

Visit the Skills Development Scotland website to speak to an adviser, find your nearest office, or email through the website.

Foundation Apprentices may qualify for Education Maintenance Allowance.

Modern Apprenticeships

These combine work in a paid job and workplace training to gain new skills and recognised qualifications. They allow those aged 16–24 (or 16–29 if disabled) to train for jobs in a wide variety of sectors without having to study full time.

Additionally, Modern Apprentices develop expertise through on-the-job assessment and allow participants to gain vital workplace skills such as teamwork and problem solving.

Training fees for Modern Apprenticeships are paid by the employer and Skills Development Scotland. The national minimum apprentice wage, or higher, is paid to apprentices by the employer, and the same protections and conditions as any other employee are enjoyed.

In most cases a Modern Apprenticeship takes between 2 and 4 years to complete.

For more information speak to a careers adviser or guidance teacher, contact Skills Development Scotland on 0800 917 8000, or visit the Apprenticeships.Scot website.

No One Left Behind

No One Left Behind is a programme of support delivered by each local authority (council) area in Scotland. Support is provided to anyone who requires help to prepare for work, training, education and/or volunteering, regardless of their age or background. This may also include a programme of support specifically aimed at disabled people.

Upon joining a programme, participants will receive support from an Employability Key Worker, who will develop an individual plan to help them reach their goals. This may involve activities such as taster sessions at college, time with training providers, mentoring, peer mentoring opportunities, and group projects.

Visit No One Left Behind and get contact details for the local authority in your area.

Live in Aberdeenshire? Lead Scotland currently provides support on behalf of Aberdeenshire Council to young disabled people aged 16-24 to get into learning, volunteering or training on their pathway to employment. Read about the Aberdeenshire employability projects for young people on the Lead Scotland website.

Young Person’s Guarantee

The Young Person’s Guarantee (YPG) is a Scottish programme that aims to help young people find work, training, or volunteering opportunities. The YPG’s aim is that every person aged between 16 and 24, based on their own personal circumstances and ambition, will have the chance to study, take up an apprenticeship, job or work experience, or take part in formal volunteering.

Search for opportunities on the Young Person’s Guarantee website and find out more about support to access opportunities in your local area.

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