External Committee Member of the Apprenticeship Committee

The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) is seeking a minimum of 10 external members to join its newly established Apprenticeship Committee, a Committee of the SFC Board. SFC has seven Board Committees which advise the Board on specific responsibilities or undertake specific functions. The Apprenticeship Committee is one of three statutory Committees, along with the Skills, Enhancement, Access and Learning Committee, and the Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee. The Apprenticeship Committee has a key role in shaping the future of apprenticeships and work-based learning in Scotland.This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of Scotland’s evolving tertiary education, skills and apprenticeship system at a time of significant change. As SFC takes on new responsibilities for apprenticeship and work-based learning, the Committee will play an important role in supporting high-quality provision that meets the needs of apprentices, employers and the wider economy.As an external member, you will bring independent judgement, strategic insight and specialist expertise to the Committee’s work. You will contribute to the development and continuous improvement of apprenticeship frameworks, helping to ensure that Scotland’s apprenticeship system continues to support apprentices, employers and economic prosperity. Your experience and perspective will help shape decisions that have a lasting impact on skills development, workforce capability and opportunities for people across Scotland.Key Dates Advert closes 11 November 2026Candidates shortlisted from 12 November 2026Virtual interviews will take place from week of 23 November 2026 onwards (via Teams).Key ResponsibilitiesMembers of the Apprenticeship Committee will be involved in:Enhancing Scottish Apprenticeships, including the qualifications currently known as Foundation Apprenticeships, in Scotland. Providing insight and constructive challenge to support the SFC Board in securing and funding apprenticeships, in line with Scottish Government priorities. This includes, but is not limited to: Ensuring apprenticeships and work-based learning are responsive to the needs of learners, employers, and the wider economy, including current and emerging skills demands, and providing evidence-based advice on the required scale, shape and prioritisation of apprenticeships across Scotland and by region and sector. Considering how best to maximise value and impact for learners, employers, the wider economy and the public purse. Providing advice on the development, quality, and continuous improvement of apprenticeship frameworks, including the required standards or qualifications to be achieved by apprentices during an apprenticeship. Drawing on sectoral expertise and employer insight and sharing industry intelligence and examples of good practice to identify opportunities to strengthen and improve the apprenticeship system. Having regard to a broad range of evidence and considerations, including labour market intelligence, equalities, and sustainability to help ensure apprenticeship provision is inclusive and forward looking. Adopting a holistic approach across apprenticeships provision to support a more coherent and connected skills system.Considering the alignment between different pathways, with a view to simplifying and removing duplication across tertiary education and training pathways and promoting parity of esteem for learners. This integrated approach will support greater clarity for employers and learners, and contribute to a skills system that is flexible, responsive, and inclusive. Considering evidence on outcomes related to apprenticeships, including completion rates and barriers to access and participation. Providing advice to support the SFC Board’s understanding of trends, emerging risks and opportunities for improvement across the wider tertiary education and skills system. This should include consideration of implications for future funding priorities.Making decisions about design, approval and updating of apprenticeship frameworks to meet Scottish Government priorities and employer needs; quality assurance arrangements in place to assure and enhance quality of Scottish Apprenticeships and the qualifications currently known as Foundation Apprenticeships and compliance of these frameworks with the National Occupational Standards (NOS). Skills, Knowledge and ExpertiseIt is important through your CV and personal statement you give evidence of your role representing at least one of the following: Apprenticeship provider (including college, university and Scottish Training Federation members).Employer in one of Scottish Government’s strategic skills priority sectors; we are seeking a mix of large, medium-sized, small and micro employers. Member of an industry body (e.g., Industry Leadership Groups, sector skills councils or trade bodies).Trade Union from the Scottish Trades Union Congress. Developing the Young Workforce.An apprentice or learner.An education and training body (such as Education Scotland, Skills Development Scotland or awarding body, including Qualifications Scotland).Your CV and personal statement must also give evidence of proven experience and expertise in the following essential criteria:Scottish Apprenticeships (Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships) and the qualifications currently known as Foundation Apprenticeships.The existing apprenticeship and work-based learning landscape and policy environment, including employability support and skills development pathways.The delivery and management of apprenticeship and work-based learning programmes, including the financial considerations associated with their delivery. Workforce planning and regional and local skills needs, including any cross-border considerations.Relevant industry or sectoral experience.The tertiary education and training system.The design or delivery of vocational qualifications.Quality assurance and standards relating to apprenticeship provision.Best practice in apprenticeship delivery, including from other countries.The diversity of experience of apprentices and learners.Advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.The ability to think creatively and contribute to innovative approaches to apprenticeship development.You should also include evidence of proven experience and expertise in at least one of these:Demonstrable commitment to inclusion, equality and diversity in the workplace.Proven ability to work effectively within the public sector requirements for accountability and openness and within financial constraints.Additional InformationThis is an unremunerated role (travel and expenses incurred through the attendance of meetings will be reimbursed) and offers a unique opportunity to work with dedicated and expert colleagues supporting the vital work of our Board. The Apprenticeship Committee will meet at least three times a year and the Committee meetings are a mix of in person and virtual. Additional information about the Committee and its current members can be found here Apprenticeship Committee Proposed Apprenticeship Committee Meeting Dates (To be confirmed)Tuesday 3 February 2027Wednesday 26 May 2027 Wednesday 6 October 2027