Falkirk Council and local employers are preparing for Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026 (2–6 March) by announcing a significant increase in modern apprenticeship opportunities.

Since April 2025, 89 local residents have already transitioned into apprenticeships with Council support, spanning 22 diverse sectors including engineering, healthcare, logistics, and automotive.

Of these initial starts, 42 positions were created within Falkirk Council itself. Building on this momentum, the Council has confirmed plans to expand its internal programme with an additional 20 posts for the 2026/27 period. These roles will be concentrated within the Building Maintenance division, specifically targeting apprentice joiners and electricians.

Year-Round Support via the Employment Training Unit

While Scottish Apprenticeship Week serves as a national focal point, the Council's Employment Training Unit (ETU) provides continuous support throughout the year. The unit works directly with residents to provide vocational training, application assistance, and one-to-one interview preparation.

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During the upcoming celebratory week, the ETU will host targeted insight sessions:

• Youth Insight: Dedicated sessions for school pupils who have faced challenges with attendance or behaviour, explaining employer expectations and preparation pathways.

• Adult Insight: Focused on residents aged 19 and over, these sessions will outline live vacancies and specific funding arrangements for adult apprentices.

Falkirk Council representatives from the ETU and Building Maintenance will also participate in the "A World of Work Tasters" event at The Engine Shed in Stirling on 5 March 2026. Hosted by Morgan Sindall Construction in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, the event offers hands-on experience in trades such as stonemasonry, brickwork, and electrical engineering.

Councillor Paul Garner, spokesperson for Economic Development, said: "Apprenticeships offer a direct route into skilled employment and help employers develop talent locally. The Employment and Training Unit works closely with businesses and training providers to match residents to real opportunities and provide support once they are in post.

"Our planned increase in apprenticeship roles next year, particularly in trade and technical services, reflects the importance of building skills that support local services and economic growth."

Prospective applicants for the new Building Maintenance roles are encouraged to monitor the MyJobScotland website, where recruitment is expected to open in the coming weeks.