The small Scottish businesses working with apprentices to achieve big things

Businesses across Scotland are tapping into the talent pool by taking on apprentices and making a huge difference to our economy - and their own workforces.

There are currently around 12,000 apprentice employers in Scotland, investing in over 40,000 Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships.

From offering fresh perspectives and adding value to industries where demand is growing, to forging their own careers through hands-on learning, apprentices are helping to support and drive Scotland’s ambitions.

That’s why it’s important to take a moment to recognise the impact and value of apprenticeships. Scottish Apprenticeship Week - taking place from March 2 to 6 this year - aims to do just this.

Shining a light on the power of apprenticeships to create careers, build businesses, grow workforces, and deliver real returns for the economy, Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows that apprenticeships are working for Scotland in a myriad of ways.

The 2026 Scottish Apprenticeship Awards take this recognition a step further, celebrating the brilliant apprentices of today who are working to become the workforce of tomorrow, alongside employers and learning providers that are supporting and championing that vision.

Ahead of the awards ceremony on February 26, at Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket, we’re taking a look at some of the incredible finalists for SME Apprentice Employer of the Year, sponsored by Babcock International Group, at this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in association with SP Energy Networks.

Forres firm aes renewables (previously known as AES Solar) once depended on subcontractors, but apprenticeships have created in-house skills, retained local talent and boosted capacity for renewable projects to support the