Sibbald Training
SDS - Modern Apprenticeship
Sibbald Training have been awarded a contract by Skills Development Scotland to deliver Modern Apprenticeships
This course is ideal for
Novice candidates requiring to be trained and assessed as competent for plant and lifting operations, and meet the eligibility for an MA.Course Content
Modern Apprenticeships
Sibbald Training holds a Skills Development Scotland (SDS) contract to deliver Modern Apprenticeships across a range of construction disciplines.
SCQF Level 5 – Construction: Civil Engineering
Available pathways:
- Plant Operations
- General Construction Operations (Concreting & Drainage)
- Formwork
- Road Building & Maintenance
Available age groups:
- 16–19
- 20–24
- 25+
SCQF Level 7 – Construction Technical
Available pathway:
- Supervising Lifting Operations (Lift Supervisor)
Available age groups:
- 20–24
- 25+
Modern Apprenticeships combine nationally recognised qualifications with practical, on-the-job experience, allowing individuals to work, learn and earn at the same time. Apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and competence required for their current role while gaining qualifications that are recognised throughout the construction industry.
An apprentice does not need to be a new employee to undertake a Modern Apprenticeship. Existing employees can also be enrolled, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and are employed throughout the duration of the programme.
What does a Modern Apprenticeship include?
There are four key elements that make up a Modern Apprenticeship programme:
- Core Skills (SCQF Level 5 Civil Engineering Framework only)
The only Core Skill required for the SCQF Level 5 Civil Engineering framework is Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at SCQF Level 4.
Where an apprentice has already achieved this qualification through school, college or previous training, it does not need to be completed again.
- Industry Specific Training (IST)
Industry Specific Training is achieved through the completion of recognised CPCS or NPORS training and testing relevant to the chosen pathway. This provides apprentices with the practical skills and operating experience required before progressing through the vocational qualification.
- Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ)
The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) is the work-based qualification that forms the main component of the apprenticeship. Apprentices demonstrate their competence against nationally recognised occupational standards through workplace assessment and regular on-site visits from a qualified Sibbald assessor.
- Meta Skills
Throughout the programme, apprentices develop and evidence the Meta Skills that employers increasingly value across the construction industry. Using structured task books and self-evaluation activities, apprentices reflect on areas such as communication, collaboration, initiative, critical thinking, adaptability and problem solving, helping them build the behaviours and transferable skills needed for long-term career success.
Why choose Sibbald Training?
Our experienced team works closely with employers and apprentices throughout the programme, providing ongoing support from enrolment through to completion. We understand the demands of the construction industry and tailor our delivery to minimise disruption while ensuring apprentices gain the skills, qualifications and confidence needed to succeed.
Whether you're looking to recruit new talent or develop the skills of your existing workforce, our Modern Apprenticeship programmes provide a cost-effective route to building a competent, qualified team.
Get in touch
Interested in finding out more?
Our team can advise you on eligibility, funding, available pathways and the most suitable Modern Apprenticeship for your business.
Contact Sibbald Training today to discuss your requirements and discover how a Modern Apprenticeship can help develop your workforce.
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.