Engineer your talent development!
Develop essential talent with our Engineering Graduate Apprenticeships
Scotland's Engineering sector is facing a number of key challenges, including an ageing workforce, lack of new talent, increasing supply chain costs and increasing use of technology.
Developing talent with core engineering skills remains a top priority. On top of that, in our discussions with industry, engineering employers are looking for 'work-ready' employees who have well-developed meta skills alongside their engineering skills.
The energy crisis and increasing supply chain costs are becoming even more important to firms. Firms need employees that have skills relating to sustainability, energy efficiencies and business awareness to be able to maintain a competitive edge in increasingly difficult market conditions.
And that's where Graduate Apprenticeships come in.
Why Heriot-Watt for Graduate Apprenticeships
Heriot-Watt has a proud history of developing engineering talent. And here's why we should be your partner of choice for GAs.
Our fully-funded Engineering Design & Manufacture Graduate Apprenticeship not only builds the right skills for your business, it also develops talented people with hands-on work-based experience.
- Specialist pathways – we're the only university offering specialist pathways in mechanical engineering and electronic engineering. This enables you to build specific skillsets tailored to the needs of your business.
- Fully accredited - our EDM Electronic programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology. The EDM Mechanical programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
- Hybrid flexible delivery - our ‘hyflex’ delivery model means teaching takes place simultaneously online and on campus. Apprentices can choose whether they attend campus or access learning remotely.
Graduate Apprenticeships at-a-glance
Who can apply?
Our GA programmes are open to both new and existing employees - making them ideal for recruitment AND upskilling.
How much does it cost?
Our programmes are fully-funded for eligible candidates, meaning there are no additional costs for employers or the students.
How long does it take?
Students will typically study for an Honours degree over a four year period. (Note: advanced entry is possible in some cases).
How is it delivered?
GAs offer a unique combination of academic and work-based learning. Broadly speaking, the split is 20% at university and 80% at work.
Why Graduate Apprenticeships are an ideal solution
Our Engineering Design and Manufacture Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) is fully funded and offers a unique combination of academic and work-based learning, creating degree qualified employees with key skills tailored to the needs of your business.
- GAs can be a key way to fill critical skills gaps in your business.
- GAs are ideal for developing ‘work-ready’ individuals with core engineering skills PLUS the meta skills that firms are looking for, such as critical thinking, self management and social intelligence.
- In a difficult recruitment market, GAs are the ideal way to upskill existing employees. They allow people with existing in-depth knowledge of the business to develop new skills.
- GAs can be a great retention tool for employees – demonstrating that the company is investing in the development of the workforce.
- For firms employing Modern Apprentices, GAs are an ideal progression route for those looking to develop their career further.
Joining the Graduate Apprenticeship Programme is the best thing I have ever done and was truly life changing. Overall the Graduate Apprenticeship scheme is an amazing opportunity as I have learnt so much in just over a year working at Plexus.
Our credentials
1st
1st in Scotland for Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)
1st
1st in the UK for Elecrical & Electronic Engineering (Daily Mail University Guide 2026)
Explore our Engineering Graduate Apprenticeships
Follow the links below to find out more about the specifics of our Electronic and Mechanical apprenticeship pathways.
Engineering Design and Manufacture: Electronic
Explore the detail on our electronic pathway, including course content, entry requirements etc
Engineering Design and Manufacture: Mechanical
Explore the detail on our mechanical pathway, including course content, entry requirements etc.
Matthew Campbell - Diageo
This short video features Matthew Campbell, an engineering Graduate Apprentice with our employer partner, Diageo.
Get in touch today!
If you're an employer in the Engineering and Manufacturing sectors looking to develop key skills, then we're here to help. Our dedicated team is here to help you understand how our Graduate Apprenticeships can support your talent development to help your business thrive. Follow the link below to get in touch with the team today.
Contact us today