Published:
Heriot-Watt will be the largest University provider of the Graduate Level Apprenticeships (GLAs) announced by the Scottish Government.
379 places will be made available for individuals to study for a degree while in work in 2017/18 under a scheme organised by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), working with businesses, universities and colleges.
Heriot-Watt has a long heritage of working closely with business and industry, transferring knowledge into social and economic impact.
Heriot-Watt has received funding for a total of 75 places across three GLAs:
- IT Management for Business
- IT Software Development
- Engineering, Design and Manufacturing
The University will develop and deliver the apprenticeships, in partnership with industry, to combine academic knowledge with the skills development and workplace training required by employers.
Apprentices will spend most of their time in the workplace, be paid throughout the apprenticeship, and leave the programme with an honours degree from Heriot-Watt University.
Dr Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal, Business and Enterprise, Heriot-Watt University, said, “Heriot-Watt has a long heritage of working closely with business and industry, transferring knowledge into social and economic impact.
“The programmes are designed around the needs of industry and we will be working with some of Scotland's leading organisations to combine academic knowledge with skills development in the workplace to benefit the Scottish economy.”
Developing capabilities and skill sets
Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn said, “We carried out a consultation with employers, which identified a need for skills that better support businesses and help them grow. As a result we have committed to expanding the number of Graduate Level Apprenticeships, broadening access to higher education and increasing adult participation, as well as developing the capabilities and skill sets of organisations and individuals.
“By creating the opportunity to combine an academic degree with the challenges of the workplace, we are better preparing individuals for the job market and ensuring we match the right skills and training to available employment.”
Graduate Level Apprenticeships have been developed by SDS in partnership with employers, universities and colleges and professional bodies to create stronger links between education and industry.
Jonathan Clark, Director of Service Design and Innovation at Skills Development Scotland, said, “Graduate Level Apprenticeships have the potential to transform the way that young people access further and higher education.
“SDS is delighted to be working with Heriot-Watt University to deliver three Graduate Level Apprenticeships in IT and engineering and we look forward to working together to develop the skills employers need.”
Find out more
For more information, please contact us on gla@hw.ac.uk