Course Aims

SDS - Modern Apprenticeship

Who Attends

Sibbald Training have been awarded a contract by Skills Development Scotland to deliver Modern Apprenticeships in the following areas:

SCQF L5 Construction Civil Engineering (Plant Operations)
Age bandings: 16-19, 20-24 & 25+
Category: Ride on Roller, Forward Tipping Dumper, Telehandler, 360 tracked Excavator

SCQF L7 Construction Technical (Supervising Lifting Operations)
Age bandings: 20-24 & 25+
Category: Crane Supervisor

Course Content

Modern Apprenticeships combine a qualification with on-the-job experience. This lets people work, learn and earn at the same time. This means that MA’s can build valuable work experience from day one and gain an accredited qualification which is recognised by industry. They’ll develop skills and expertise for their current and future job roles. The apprentice does not need to be a new hire to the business, and apprenticeships are available across 3 age bandings. Apprentices must be employed to be eligible to complete the modern apprenticeship.


There are three main elements to a Modern Apprenticeship that must be completed throughout the Apprentices learning journey:

1. Core Skills
Core skills can be assessed throughout industry specific training and the on-site visit’s whilst completing the SVQ. Candidates who have been issued with a core skills profile on their Scottish Qualifications Certificate, or candidates who have already been certificated as achieving core skills at the levels required (SCQF L4 or L5) either in the workplace, or at school or college do not need to repeat these core skills.

2. Industry Specific Training (IST)
IST will be completed through gaining a CPCS or NPORS trained operator card. This allows apprentices to gain on-site experience prior to starting the SVQ process.

3. Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ)
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) are work-based qualifications. This is the end point of a modern apprenticeship and they work as a guarantee that someone can do their job well and to the national standards for their sector. This is also carried out through on-site visits with a Sibbald assessor.



Please email enquiries@sibbaldtraining.com or call 01501 750900 for further information on the Modern Apprenticeships.

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions


How quickly can the MA be completed?

Around 7 Months for experienced candidates and 12 months for novice candidates.

How Many visits are needed?

Circa 2-3 review visits to gather evidence + induction/skill scan visit. The IST will be completed in addition to these visits, with core/meta skills delivered during the IST and review visits.

Can CITB Levy payer claim back grant funding on IST?

Based on customer feedback and the low adoption of the grant funded courses (due to the durations and delegate numbers), the MA program has not been built on grant funded courses (this will be revisited when the current review of grant funded courses is complete).

What does RPL mean and can candidates who already hold red cards apply for the MA program?

Candidates with recognised prior learning (industry experience and existing qualifications/red cards) are classed as experienced workers and can complete the modern apprenticeships quicker- 7 months. Novice candidates for plant ops with no qualifications or experience must be on programme for 1 year minimum, for Crane Supervisor novice candidates with no experience/qualifications (very unlikely as they will commonly have slinger/signaller first) they need to be on programme for 18 months.

Does the MA need to be a new employee or a young person?

No the MA program is open to all ages and can be for new or existing employees looking to develop their skills.

Why is the MA not fully funded?

SDS provide a contribution towards the MA program and the employer contribution is required to cover the full costs for Sibbald Training to deliver the program.

What happens if the apprentice leaves?

The MA stays with the apprentice and can be continued with their new employer, any claw back of funding would be the employer's responsibility to agree with the apprentice.

What eligibility criteria does the apprentice need to meet?

New learners will be checked by Sibbald Training on the SDS FIPS system to confirm eligibility and that they have not already completed a MA at the same or lower level.

Can candidates who have already completed an MA complete another one?

Candidates can only complete a further MA if it is at a higher level than any existing MA they have completed i.e. they could progress from plant ops to Crane Sup.

Arrange your course with Sibbald

If pre-scheduled dates are not listed on this page, or if the dates published do not fit your requirement, please contact us as arrangements can be made to suit your needs. 

Chat: Use our chat bot at the bottom right of this page.
Tel: 01501 750900
Email: enquiries@sibbaldtraining.com