UHI Argyll

How UHI Argyll uses SVQs to build a skilled workforce for rural Scotland

In one of Scotland's most rural regions, UHI Argyll is showing what Modern Apprenticeships can achieve. At the heart of their success is the Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ).

Through strong employer partnerships and a dedicated work-based learning team, the college helps people live, learn and work in Argyll. Their approach builds local talent, improves staff retention and strengthens growing industries.

What SVQs offer

SVQs are Scotland's trusted way to prove you can do a job well. Instead of exams, you're assessed on how you perform your everyday work. This shows you can apply your skills with confidence and meet industry standards from day one.

Because Modern Apprenticeships are built on SVQs, employers know their staff are trained to meet real business needs. For apprentices, SVQs offer a practical route to a recognised qualification. You can build your skills while working in your community and progressing in the career you want.

Keeping talent local

Argyll and Bute faces challenges common to many rural areas. The population is ageing and young people often move away for education or work. UHI Argyll sees Modern Apprenticeships as part of the solution.

"Our primary focus is to ensure opportunity for individuals to live, learn and work in Argyll," says Dawn Miller, Apprenticeships Manager at UHI Argyll. "By offering Modern Apprenticeships across a variety of sectors, we hope to encourage young people to stay, become valued members of the workforce, and contribute to the local economy."

Local businesses, particularly in hospitality, found it hard to release staff for full-time study. UHI Argyll explored whether work-based learning could work better. The feedback was clear: employers wanted flexibility, practical assessment and qualifications that matched real job roles. The SVQ-based apprenticeship model delivered exactly that.

A dedicated work-based learning team

UHI Argyll moved Modern Apprenticeships and SVQs out of the traditional curriculum and into a specialist team. This has created:

"This approach has successfully led to an increase in numbers and in local employers' awareness of our work-based learning offer," Dawn explains.

Why SVQs work for employers

Modern Apprenticeships differ significantly from traditional academic pathways. Dawn highlights the benefits:

"Work-based learning is employers' opportunity to shape the next generation of their workforce," she explains. "If employers invest in their staff, their staff are more likely to stay."

Employer success stories

Local employers see real benefits when apprentices complete their SVQ-based MAs. These often directly improve business capacity, continuity and growth.

Lewis MacLeod — Hospitality MA Lewis trained under chef William Rocks at Tigh an Truish on the Isle of Seil. After completing his apprenticeship, he was promoted and now runs the kitchen. This gave his employer the capacity to expand the business and open an on-site butchery.

Kacper Kasperowicz — Parks and Gardens MA Kacper's apprenticeship led to a six-week traineeship at Logan Botanic Garden with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. He has since used this experience to enhance Achamore Gardens on the Isle of Gigha, bringing globally recognised horticultural expertise back to a rural Scottish community.

What apprentices say

"I've grown so much as a person and I've become so much more confident — not only at work, but in the rest of my life too." — Evie Edgington, Professional Cookery, SCQF Level 5

"I've changed the way I look at things. I'm more forward-thinking… I see the bigger picture." — Ruairidh Neilly, Aquaculture, SCQF Levels 5 and 7; Finalist, Scottish Apprenticeship Awards 2023

"It was a great opportunity to learn on the job and get paid well to do it." — Sara MacIntyre, Hospitality: Supervision and Leadership, SCQF Level 7

"The apprenticeship reaffirmed anything I wasn't 100% confident in." — Ali Guy, Aquaculture, SCQF Level 7

"My MA has been extremely valuable in giving me experience for the job I want permanently." — Cameron Allan, Business and Administration, SCQF Level 6 (Oban Airport)

Former apprentices have gone on to work at Gleneagles Hotel, a prestigious ski resort in Japan, and leadership roles within Scotland's growing aquaculture industry. Work-based learning gives them the confidence and competence to thrive anywhere.

A message from Qualifications Scotland

"UHI Argyll has built a brilliant model for work-based learning in one of Scotland's most geographically diverse regions. Their strong employer relationships, flexible delivery and commitment to quality mean apprentices are gaining the skills and confidence they need to thrive — right here in their own communities. We're proud to support their Modern Apprenticeship delivery through SVQs, ensuring every learner achieves a nationally recognised qualification that translates directly into the world of work."

— Graham Campbell, Qualifications Scotland Regional Manager, Highlands, Argyll and Western Isles

Looking ahead

Dawn is clear about what comes next:

"I see continued growth for work-based learning. Many industries throughout Scotland could benefit from embedding Modern Apprenticeships into their workforce development planning. By investing in employees, employers gain loyal and highly skilled staff — and shape the next generation of their workforce."

As Scotland moves into a new era under Qualifications Scotland from December 2025, the SVQ will continue to be the backbone of Modern Apprenticeships — recognised nationally, trusted by employers and valued by apprentices who want practical skills and real career progression.

Discover more apprenticeship stories from UHI Argyll.