Modern Apprenticeships with COPFS

The Modern Apprenticeship is an 18-20-month work-based programme within The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). Modern Apprentices will work towards an SVQ in Business Administration Level 3 (SCQF Level 6) and an industry specific training course such as the Certificate in Prosecution Practice.

Throughout the course, you will be required to achieve the minimum SQA Accredited Level 5 Core Skills in Numeracy, ICT. You may have achieved one or both of these through prior education, which would then be recognised as prior learning. 

This isn’t just about gaining office skills. At COPFS, apprentices benefit from:

• A supportive public‑sector employer
• Exposure to a wide range of professional teams
• Clear expectations and structured development
• Skills that are transferable across the public service
• A strong foundation for future progression
  

Many apprentices use this experience as a stepping stone into other permanent roles or further development within COPFS or the wider public sector.

Every day, our teams support communities across Scotland by processing cases, working with partner organisations and ensuring the justice system operates effectively. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it has a real and lasting impact on people’s lives.

COPFS has always recognised that building a skilled and resilient workforce starts with investing in people early in their careers. Our Modern Apprentices bring fresh ideas, curiosity and determination, all qualities that enrich our organisation and strengthen the service we deliver.

Behind every court case, decision and outcome is a strong administrative function. Our Business Administration roles help:

• Support legal and operational staff manage casework
• Manage sensitive information accurately and securely
• Keep communication flowing across teams and partners
• Help ensure cases progress efficiently and fairly
  
  

Where could you work?

Within our structure, we have 3 main functions. You can expect to work with each area of the Service during your apprenticeship, but most roles will usually be based in Local Court. 

• Local Court Teams – supporting cases as they move through the court system
  
  
• National Casework & Death Investigations – specialist case handling (age‑appropriate placements only)
  
  
• Corporate Services – Human Resources, Finance, Business Support and Organisational Services

The Business Administration Modern Apprenticeship is an entry level opportunity designed to help you start or progress a career in the civil service.

We’re interested in people who:

• Are keen to learn and develop professionally
• Take pride in being organised and reliable
• Communicate clearly and respectfully
• Can work well as part of a team
• Have an interest in the Criminal Justice Sector

Working in the justice system can be challenging at times. Some roles involve exposure to sensitive or emotionally difficult information. You will always be supported by your team, and tasks will be appropriate to your role and experience. Apprentices under 18 will only be placed in roles appropriate to their age and experience.

In today's rapidly evolving job market, this blend of academic learning and practical experience makes our Modern Apprenticeship a strong alternative to college or university and a solid foundation for future career development.

Fantastic support from line managers and the wider organisation has helped our apprentices to develop skills that maintain and enhance the work of COPFS.

This success can be measured by the volume of Modern Apprentices (MAs) who have progressed through the organisation to a higher grade across the service. Impressively, 90% of our MAs have chosen to stay with the organisation or move to other civil service departments and beyond.

Since the programme's inception in 2012, 211 Modern Apprentices have completed the programme. Of these, 90% (189) are still employed in the service, with an incredible 111 achieving promotion at least once. 

Andrew Campbell, Senior HR Manager – Organisational Design & Job Evaluation

"I joined COPFS as a fiscal officer in Kirkcaldy’s Sheriff and Jury team and completed my apprenticeship with them in 2014. During the programme, moving around the Sheriff and Jury team really helped me gain confidence in speaking to a wide range of people. I got great support from my colleagues, and that really helped me to develop. The Induction Week helped me build lasting connections across the Service – I still speak to many of them now. The apprenticeship gave me the confidence to ask questions and understand the wider picture, which I still use in my role today. I learned how important it is to build good relationships and have effective conversations – even the difficult ones.”

Rachele Comrie, Senior Business Manager

“I spent most of my time as a Modern Apprenticeship in Victim Information and Advice and completed my apprenticeship in 2016. The apprenticeship gave me the time and support I needed to learn and really understand how COPFS works. It helped me see the bigger picture of the justice system and how my role fit within it. I built a strong network of people across COPFS that I can still rely on for advice and support. Having my work recognised at graduation was a proud moment and showed how much the Service values its apprentices.”

S. Cole, Designed for Success Programme Manager

''I started as a Fiscal Officer in the Summary department of PFO Edinburgh, initially preparing Intermediate Diets. The apprenticeship broadened my horizons and showed me just how much COPFS does. It gave me a strong foundation in communication, teamwork and continuous development. The skills I learned during the apprenticeship are ones I still use every day. Above all else, the apprenticeship provides opportunity – to develop skills, meet new people and progress your career.”

Modern Apprentice recruitment usually takes place between May and July annually. If you would be interested in applying for our Modern Apprenticeship Programme, you can visit our web recruitment portal and sign up for notifications for when this exercise is live.

When an advert is live, detailed role information, including salary, locations and assessment arrangements, will be provided in the application pack. Please ensure you read the application pack thoroughly before applying.

We assess applications using the Civil Service Success Profiles Framework. Don’t worry if you haven’t applied for a Civil Service role before - guidance is available to help you prepare. For more information on how best to prepare a personal statement or for an interview, please see our Success Profiles guidance.

Applications are welcomed from candidates aged 16+ . There are no upper age limits and suitability for the job will be the determining factor for selection.

These are permanent administrative positions conditional on successful completion of the MA programme. 

Read our COPFS job applicant Privacy Notice 

If you have any questions about the programme or would like to find out more, please contact 

TheSVQTeam@copfs.gov.uk 

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact

recruitment@copfs.gov.uk