Significant number of local residents supported into apprenticeships as Falkirk Council marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week
More modern apprenticeship roles than ever are being created across the Falkirk area as employers and Falkirk Council gear up for the forthcoming Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2-6 March 2026).
Since April 2025, 89 local residents have benefited from the support of Falkirk Council by moving into a wide range of modern apprenticeships across the area with further participants expected to begin their apprenticeship before the end of the financial year.
Their roles have included more than 22 sectors, including engineering, social services and healthcare, facilities management, automotive, logistics and business administration.
The Council is also preparing to expand its own apprenticeship programme with a further 20 posts planned for 2026–27 within Building Maintenance alone, including joiners and electricians. Recruitment is expected to open in the coming weeks via the MyJobScotland website.
Of the 89 apprenticeship starts this year, 42 were within Falkirk Council. In Building Maintenance, 15 apprenticeships are already being delivered in 2025–26.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week provides a focus for local activity, but Falkirk Council delivers support throughout the year via its Employment Training Unit (ETU). The ETU collaborates with employers across Falkirk to identify skills needs and shape apprenticeship roles around current demand.
Participants receive one-to-one support, vocational training, help with applications and interview preparation, and contact with advisers once employment begins.
During the Week, the ETU will run insight sessions for two groups.
One programme will involve young people in schools who have experienced challenges with attendance or behaviour. Delivered alongside Community Learning and Development colleagues, the sessions will explain how Modern Apprenticeships operate, what employers expect and how pupils can prepare over the next year if they intend to apply.
A separate strand will focus on adults aged 19 and over. Interest from this age group continues to grow. Group and individual sessions will outline live vacancies, explain eligibility and funding arrangements, and allow time for questions. Employers and existing apprentices will take part.
Council representatives from ETU and Building Maintenance will also attend a construction event at the Engine Shed in Stirling on 5 March 2026, hosted by Morgan Sindall, where information on forthcoming apprenticeship vacancies will be available.
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.
A Falkirk School Leavers Information Event will follow later in March at Grangemouth Town Hall. The event will provide information on training routes, financial support and progression options, with input from Council services and partner organisations.
For more information and to find out about what support the team can offer, visit the ETU webpage.