What drives employer engagement with apprenticeships in Scotland?

Abstract

This study explored employer engagement with apprenticeships in Scotland, using Bredgaard's typology to categorize employers into four types: committed, sceptical, passive, and dismissive. Committed employers, driven by workforce development or corporate social responsibility, actively engaged with apprenticeships but their primary purpose often determined how these were managed and experienced. Sceptical employers, motivated by industry norms, financial incentives, or short-term recruitment needs, exhibited inconsistent engagement and were prone to practices like rebadging or substitution. Passive employers often lacked understanding of apprenticeship frameworks and feared value misalignment, leading to non-engagement. Dismissive employers prioritized flexible labor practices and cost reduction, viewing apprenticeships as incompatible with broader operational strategy. By advancing theoretical and practical insights, this work contributes to efforts to enhance the quantity and quality of apprenticeship opportunities in Scotland. It underscores the need for tailored strategies to address the diverse factors impacting employer engagement.