Department of Enterprise and Business Innovation (DEBI)

Modern Apprenticeships are work-based training opportunities for new or existing employees, supporting Scotland’s ambition to cultivate a trained, productive, and enthusiastic workforce for the future. They offer individuals the chance to work in paid jobs while undertaking workplace training to gain enhanced skills and recognized Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ). All apprentices must be employed throughout the duration of their programme.

Modern Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 and over. Funding contributions towards the cost of training may be available, depending on age, sector, and the chosen framework. Each apprentice must, during their apprenticeship, fulfil the legal requirements to work in the UK and be employed by an employer.

We offer a wide range of apprenticeships across different sectors including Business and Management, Land based Industries, Construction, Health and Social Care, Childcare and Textiles. In additional we offer Vocational Qualifications in all these areas plus many more!

Our Skills for Life and Work programmes are designed to equip candidates with the skills they need to lead successful and fulfilling lives.  Our awards within these programmes start at entry level and can progress to level 4.  These programmes support candidates to achieve accredited qualifications. Find out more here: Skills for Life and Work | Borders College

Employability training refers to programs and courses designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to enter, stay in, and progress in the workforce. This training often focuses on enhancing both hard and soft skills to make participants more attractive to employers. This might include core skills, job specific skills, interview tips and techniques, CV writing and cover letters. 

The goal of employability training is to equip individuals with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in the job market, increasing their chances of securing employment and achieving career growth.

We work closely with our partners in the Department of Work and Pensions and Scottish Borders Council to provide training aimed at supporting people into work. 

Throughout the year we run a variety of different programmes designed to provide individuals with opportunities to explore their interests, learn new skills, and engage with their communities in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. These courses often cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels, allowing participants to pursue hobbies, develop personal skills, or even explore potential new career paths. Our current programme can be found here: Commercial and Community Learning Courses 2025 | Borders College

Providing formal recognition of learning via a structured curriculum and assessment, our certificated learning programmes support learners to achieve specific qualifications demonstrating knowledge, skills and competencies in subject areas and provide access to further or higher education or employment. Our current courses are advertised here: Commercial and Community Learning Courses 2025 | Borders College

Our commercial short courses are designed to provide individuals and businesses with short, targeted, concise training that focuses on industry specific skills or knowledge areas. These courses are typically brief and intensive, with flexible delivery allowing participants to quickly acquire relevant competencies and accredited qualifications without the commitment of longer-term education programs.

Covering everything from food hygiene to first aid, IOSH to personal development these courses are a valuable resource for businesses and professionals looking to upskill or reskill in a supportive learning environment. 

Delivered in partnership with Scottish Borders Council we provide ESOL at a range of levels from beginning through to SCQF Level 5. 

Courses cover using English in everyday life as well as supporting learners to develop both spoken and written skills. For more information, click on the following link:

English for Speakers of Other Languages – ESOL | Borders College