FSB Scotland today called for tailored support for small businesses considering taking on apprentices to help address the country’s skills gap.
To mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week (3-7 March), the Federation of Small Businesses urged targeted Scottish Government support to help overcome the barriers which deter many smaller employers from hiring apprentices.
In 2023, more than two fifths of small businesses in Scotland told our Big Small Business Survey that they did not feel confident they would be able to recruit the appropriately skilled staff they need – and early findings from our 2025 survey suggest that lack of confidence remains. Increasing the uptake of apprenticeships among small firms could help bridge that gap.
FSB has been working with employers to highlight apprenticeship success stories to help show how some of these barriers can be overcome.
Vikki Manson, FSB Scotland’s Deputy Head of Policy, said:
“Some of our members have taken on apprentices with great success, but for every one that has we know there are more who have doubts about how it could work for them.
“Our research shows nearly three quarters of small businesses in Scotland do not engage with schools, colleges or universities when it comes to careers and recruitment. That needs to change if we are to see apprenticeship success stories repeated among more small employers.”
Specifically, FSB says consideration should be given to a new financial incentive for small businesses to employ apprentices, following on from the success of the Apprenticeship Employer Grant, to help overcome the perceived financial risks.
Ms Manson added: “We welcome current engagement with small businesses from the Scottish Government to ensure their needs are met in future apprenticeship delivery and look forward to continuing to support that process to ensure the views of a wide range of small employers are included in the shaping of future apprenticeship delivery.”
ENDS
For further information contact
Euan McGrory [email protected] 07734 509227
Notes to Editors
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FSB Scotland’s employer and apprentice case studies can be found here and you can find more details about Apprenticeship Week here.
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FSB Scotland is currently carrying out its biggest single piece of research into the views of SMEs in Scotland, The Big Small Business Survey, which can be accessed here.
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The Federation of Small Businesses is a non-profit, non-party political organisation that offers its members a wide range of business services, including advice, financial expertise, and a powerful voice heard in governments.
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Micro and small businesses comprise almost all enterprises in Scotland (98%), employ more than 900,000 people and turnover £93bn annually.
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