Skills, education and industry experts sought to shape Scotland’s apprenticeships

Photo: West Lothian College

The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) is inviting applications to join its new Apprenticeship Committee and help shape the future of apprenticeships and work-based learning in Scotland.

The Committee is being created following the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Act 2026, which, from 1 April 2027, brings responsibility for funding apprenticeships, work-based learning and National Training Programmes into SFC alongside colleges and universities.

The legislation requires SFC to establish a standalone Apprenticeship Committee to advise on these new responsibilities. It will support a phased transition from the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board (SAAB), the current industry-led body that guides the development of apprenticeships, and build on the work, knowledge, expertise and relationships developed through the existing arrangements.

As a key advisory and oversight body, it will be a Committee of the SFC Board and will help shape apprenticeship policy, strategic direction and future funding priorities. It will play an important role in supporting high-quality provision that meets the needs of apprentices, employers and the wider economy.

SFC is seeking a minimum of 10 external members who can bring independent judgement, strategic insight and specialist expertise. In line with Scottish Government guidance, employer voice will be central.

The Committee will be led by newly appointed Chair, Dr Jacqueline Hall, Head of Apprenticeships and Skills at BAE Systems. Dr Hall brings extensive experience across business, education, skills and apprenticeship standards. She currently chairs SAAB’s Standards and Frameworks Committee and, as Chair of the new Committee, will also serve on the SFC Board.

Dr Hall said:

“I am passionate about helping people and businesses to thrive through apprenticeships and look forward to working with the new Committee members to ensure the apprenticeship programme delivers high-quality opportunities and continues to fully consider and respond to employer needs.”

Applications are welcomed from large, medium-sized, small, micro and rural employers, as well as industry bodies. The membership also looks to draw on the experience of apprentices and learners, colleges, universities, training providers, trade unions, Developing the Young Workforce and education, skills and qualifications bodies.

The Apprenticeship Committee will meet multiple times a year, and the committee meetings are a mix of in-person and virtual.

Applicants should submit a CV and a personal statement by 11 November 2026, explaining the knowledge, experience and perspective they would bring.

More information and how to apply is available on SFC’s recruitment portal, Pinpoint.