NATIONAL TRAINEESHIP RECRUITing now!
Join the National Traineeship
Are you ready to transform your life and career?
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL TRAINEESHIP
SDF’s National Traineeship, is now open to applicants across Scotland. This unique, 9-month programme of paid work placements, specialist training and vocational learning, is specifically designed for people with experience of substance use, providing a pathway into long-term, meaningful employment.
Since 2004, over 90% of the 400+ people who started the programme have successfully completed it, with more than 85% of our graduates moving into the drug, alcohol, and wider social care workforce. The traineeship not only empowers people through a pro-social model of supported employment, but it enhances local services by providing skilled workers with first-hand experiences of the challenges in their communities.
Do you have lived/living experience of drug and/or alcohol problems?
Are you at the stage in your life where you are ready for employment in the drug and alcohol field?
At SDF, we support, train, and prepare people with personal lived and living experience of their own substance use, to enter the drug, alcohol, and wider social care workforce.
We do this by supporting you through an intensive 9-month programme of formal learning and paid work placements.
At SDF, we believe your experience of drug and/or alcohol problems is a strength and the perspective you will offer as a trainee will be valued.
We will provide:
- access to a programme of quality assured training from our specialist workforce development teams.
- a fully funded SVQ level 2 in Social Services and Healthcare with our SQA SVQ Centre.
- intensive support, this extends to IT and includes a device to use, we will also provide access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme
- a range of other benefits to support your wellbeing at work.
We will also provide a salary: £14,426 over the 39 week duration of the course (£13.45 per hour)
As a Trainee with SDF, you will learn how to support people who are currently experiencing drug and alcohol problems. You will be supported to use your own experience alongside professional training during a nine-month paid work placement in one of our local partner agencies.
The qualification we will support you to achieve will open up long term employment opportunities for you.
You will also connect with and become part of a tight-knit group of peers and future friends who will be on the programme with you. Alongside your Co-ordinator, they will support you every step of the way.
We offer a monthly salary and a fixed term contract of 27.5 hours per week for 39 weeks. You will be offered paid study time in these hours, to support you to complete your SVQ.
If you are interested in developing a career in the drug, alcohol, or wider social care field, you have personal lived or living experience of your own substance use, and you feel ready for employment, we would love to hear from you.
If you would like an informal chat about the project, please contact 0141 221 1175 or email employability@sdf.org.uk and we will arrange for a member of our team to call you back.
Job Description & Person Specification
Hours: Fixed term contract of 27.5 hours per week
Contract duration: of 39 weeks (Starting 1st June 2026) 3 days per week placement, and 2 day per week study/learning
Salary: £13.45 per hour (£14,426 over the 39 week duration of the course)
Closing Date: Sunday 4th January 2026
This advert may close early should sufficient applications be received.
Key Dates
- Application Closing Date: Sunday 4th January 2026
- In-person Group interviews in Glasgow: w/c 12th January and w/c 19th January
- Panel Interviews: w/c 9th February and w/c 16th February
- Online Group Interviews: w/c 9th March
- Start Date: 1st June 2026
SDF is a registered charity No. SCO008075
If you would like an informal chat about the project, please contact 0141 221 1175 or email employability@sdf.org.uk and we will arrange for a member of our team to call you back.
The number of places we can offer and the geography this programme will be available in, is entirely dependent on funding. Applications are being accepted Scotland wide, but are particularly welcome from people living in the following areas where the project has previously been or is currently being funded:
Argyll and Bute, Borders, Glasgow, Highland & North Lanarkshire.
National Traineeship info session
To find out more about the National Traineeship please come along to one of information sessions. You have the option to attend one of these session online or in person.
These sessions will allow you to get answers to any questions you may have around the programme and will be an opportunity for you to meet the Project Support Team prior to applying.
If you cannot attend the information sessions and want an informal chat about the project, please contact 0141 221 1175 and we will arrange for a member of our team to call you back.
In-person info session
In-person on the following date:
- Tuesday 25th November: at 2pm -4pm (to be held in Central Glasgow)
Please use the link above to fill out the form to attend the information session.
Online Info session
Online session via Zoom on the following dates:
Please use the links above to fill out the form to attend the information session.
Unlock Your Potential with the SDF National Traineeship
Your Experience Matters
We know your journey gives you unique insights. This traineeship helps you use that knowledge to support others and improve services.
Gain Knowledge
Through the traineeship and the work experience provided on placement, you will get all the relevant knowledge to prepare you for work in health and social care.
Get Paid While You Train
You’ll gain real-world experience in local drug, alcohol and support services across Scotland, working 27.5 hours per week for 39 weeks, with a monthly salary paid at the Real Living Wage.
Earn a Qualification
As part of the traineeship, you’ll work towards an SVQ Level 2 in Social Services and Healthcare, enhancing your skills and future career prospects.
Support Every Step of the Way
We’re here for you! With hands-on support, mentoring, and a team that understands your experience, you’ll build confidence and skills.
Shape the Future
Your story can inspire change. By completing this programme, you’ll have the chance to influence how local services are delivered and help others on their journey.
A Path to Employment
Over 85% of our graduates have moved on to jobs in health and social care, so this could be the start of a fulfilling career for you!
Who can join the SDF National Traineeship?
SDF’s National Traineeship is open to people with personal lived or living experience of substance use who are able to commit to the project and feel ready to take the next step toward employment in social care.
2004
Since 2004, this award-winning programme has supported and trained over 400 people with experience of substance use, into work.
90%
90% of people recruited to the traineeship have completed the programme
40
There are as many as 40 partners providing learning, training, development, and placement opportunities for our trainees across Scotland.
85%
85% of graduates secure employment, mostly in the drug, alcohol, and wider social care field.
National Traineeship FAQ's
Please find at the button some frequently asked questions, if there is anything not covered please contact employability@sdf.org.uk