Apprenticeship glossary

National 5

What does National 5 mean?

A Scottish qualification usually taken in S4, roughly comparable to a GCSE. Some employers, like Barclays and Rolls-Royce, accept National 5s in their entry requirements.

Find out more

Guide Apprenticeships in Scotland Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships explained: who can apply, what SCQF levels mean, how long each one takes and what you get paid in Scotland. Applies to: Scotland
National 4
A Scottish qualification at SCQF Level 4, one level below National 5. Some Scottish Foundation Apprenticeships are at SCQF Level 4/5.
Apprenticeships.scot
Scotland's official apprenticeships website, run by Skills Development Scotland, with information on Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships.
Core Skills
Skills like communication, numeracy and working with others that are built into every Modern Apprenticeship in Scotland.
Graduate Apprenticeship
Scotland's version of a degree apprenticeship. You work and study part-time at university for a degree from SCQF Level 9 (Ordinary degree) to Level 11 (Master's), over two to five years.
Higher (Scotland)
The main qualification Scottish pupils take in S5 and S6, at SCQF Level 6. Many employers accept Highers in place of A levels.
ICAS
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, which awards the CA qualification. Deloitte and KPMG both offer routes to it in Scotland.

Definitions are our own plain-English summaries. Where we give figures, they come from the official sources listed on the linked guide or profile. Rules can change, so check the official source before you make decisions.