Graduate level apprenticeships

There are currently four graduate level apprenticeships, with more in development. 

• IT: software development
• IT: management for business
• Civil engineering
• Engineering: design and manufacture

The new apprenticeships will include engineering: instrumentation, measurement and control; business management: financial services, business management; cyber security and forensics; civil engineering and construction: built environment.

Universities and colleges offering the apprenticeships include:

• University of the Highlands and Islands
• Glasgow Caledonian University
• Robert Gordon University
• Glasgow Kelvin College
• Heriot-Watt University
• Edinburgh Napier University
• University of the West of Scotland
• University of Dundee
• University of Glasgow
• University of Strathclyde

Help and support

For help and support on graduate level apprenticeships in Scotland visit:

• Skills Development Scotland ‘Apprenticeships Scotland’ website
• My World of Work website
• apprenticeships.scot frequently asked questions

Tips and advice from universities and colleges offering graduate level apprenticeships

What’s the difference between doing a degree at uni, and doing a graduate level apprenticeship?

Both university/college study, and apprenticeship programmes offer the opportunity to gain a full degree qualification, but there are key differences. Below are some differences to consider.

Apprentices split their time between uni or college, and the workplace.

They’re employed throughout the programme, and many go on to gain full employment upon completion, with the same employer. There’s also a wide range of university and college degrees which include work placements and vocationally-related learning, as well as academic study.

Graduate level apprenticeships differ as a new way to gain a degree or related Level 8 qualification through work, whilst in paid employment. The qualifications range from DipHE to master’s degree level. Apprentices are putting the theories they learn into practice in the workplace. 

Attendance is mostly at work, with different options for uni attendance – from day release, to block release or online learning, or a combination.

Traditional degrees offer a broad choice of courses, subject combinations, and a range of modules. They are available at a wide range of universities and colleges located all over the UK. 

Graduate level apprenticeships are unique to Scotland, and have been developed with employers to ensure apprentices gain the necessary knowledge and skills required for a specific area of work, while working towards a degree. 

Graduate level apprenticeships are focused on developing skills and knowledge within specific sectors. 

Apprentices will gain transferable industry-recognised skills, considered relevant by industry, employers and universities. They are also open to students who have already studied or achieved a degree level qualification, as long as it leads to a higher level of qualification, or a new area of learning.

Traditional degrees offer a wide range of career prospects.  Some are focused on a particular profession, which still require a traditional degree and cannot yet be attained with a graduate level apprenticeship. Others offer a variety of options after graduation, with students going into different job roles and career destinations. 

The experience of student life will be different for each route. 

Traditional on-campus learning, with the social and wider student life it offers, can be particularly important to some students. 

With a graduate level apprenticeship, students are first and foremost an employee, spending around 80% of their time in the workplace, and the rest at university or college.  However, apprentices are matriculated students, so they can use the on-campus facilities.

Financial differences are clear: apprentices are paid a wage throughout the apprenticeship.

With a modern apprenticeship, if you’re disabled or care experienced, and aged 16 up to, and including 29, your employer can get the highest level of funding towards the cost of training for your apprenticeship.

All learning is funded for a graduate level apprenticeship, so there is no cost to you. 

As a paid employee, further funding through SAAS is not available.  The earning potential of both graduate level apprentices, and graduates, is high – significantly higher than non-graduates.  Of course, it varies depending upon the job roles and career you choose.

Sign up to Career Finder

If you think an apprenticeship could be right for you, head over to Career Finder and create an account. 

You'll be able to: 

• search for all apprenticeship roles
• filter by subject area, role type, location, and level of apprenticeship
• shortlist jobs
• sign up for alerts
• keep tabs on applications you've made

Go to Career Finder