Emerging Talent
SLC is committed to creating career opportunities through its Emerging Talent programme.
SLC currently has around 56 colleagues in an Apprenticeship, Graduate or Internship programme working across all areas of the business including in Customer Operations, People and IT teams.
Many former apprentices have also continued to progress their careers with SLC after leaving the programme.
We work closely with local providers, including universities, colleges and employability organisations, to provide opportunities for individuals at all stages of their careers.
Apprenticeships are also available internally and provide an excellent opportunity for colleagues to pursue a qualification to help them progress their career while working at the same time.
We currently offer a range of Emerging Talent programmes, click on the tabs below to find out more about these programmes.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025
Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2024
“I would strongly recommend SLC’s apprenticeship programme, particularly if you are just starting out and want to work and study at the same time.”
Thomas Goodliffe (21) joined SLC as a Student Finance Officer (SFO) Apprentice in 2023. He completed his Level 3 Business Administration qualification with distinction and was named Darlington College’s Apprentice of the Year award in 2024. He now has a permanent position at SLC as a SFO.
He said: During my apprenticeship I received fantastic support from SLC and Darlington College, which helped me to make the most of my experience.
“The skills that I have gained, both at work and through my studies, have given me a great start to my career and there are so many opportunities at SLC which will allow me to keep learning and developing. I’m already planning my next steps and feel excited about what the future holds.”
Our Modern Apprenticeship programme will provide on the job training, experience and the opportunity to gain a vocational qualification in a variety of areas across the organisation, including within our front-line Operations directorate.
You will gain confidence and experience from day one, helping you to succeed in your chosen field whilst getting paid and enjoying the benefits of working with SLC.
Our Graduate Apprenticeship Programme offers the opportunity to attain a degree and at the same time gain valuable on the job training, learning technical, practical and job specific skills.
You will gain a qualification, up to master’s level from a university or college, which means you have the same learning opportunities as those who undertake a more traditional route through higher and further education.
Our Internship Programmes is a chance over the summer break for students to develop skills, gain experience and develop knowledge in an area of interest.
During this 12-week programme you will be involved in real-life projects, helping to solve problems, and seeing the difference you can make.
We will help you become confident in the workplace, grow and develop your communication skills, be a team player and manage your time – all this while being paid.
Our Graduate Scheme will allow you to use the degree you’ve already achieved and gain practical experience as part of a tailored, on the job training programme. Each programme will include specific learning modules through rotations to allow you to build upon your skills and evidence your learning. This will give you a head-start into a real working environment whilst building your confidence in a structured and supportive setting.
To ensure your continuous development, a relevant professional qualification may be included in the programme.
“I left formal education after completing my degree 17 years ago, so I’m excited to be back in a learning environment.”
At SLC we recognise the importance of apprenticeships as a way of upskilling colleagues – helping them develop the skills they need to grow their SLC careers.
Susan McMinigal is one of six colleagues who are undertaking a Data Analyst SCQF Level 8 Apprenticeship with tech training provider, QA Ltd. Susan, who joined SLC in 2023, applied for the programme because she wanted to formalise the experience and knowledge, she has built across many years of working in data.
She said: “The fact that the course ties in directly with my role at SLC is great – I have lots of opportunities to put my classroom learning into practice, benefitting me and the organisation.”
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