Leading a Pathway to Practice: our Civil Engineering Graduate Apprenticeship

Leading a Pathway to Practice: reflections from Laurent Galburn, Programme Director for the Civil Engineering Graduate Apprenticeship

Since 2018, I have had the privilege of serving as Programme Director for the Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in Civil Engineering at Heriot‑Watt University. When I launched the programme eight years ago, I could not have anticipated just how transformative it would become – not only for our apprentices and industry partners, but for the way we think about engineering education itself.

What began as a novel pathway integrating academic study with full‑time employment has now grown into a mature, respected programme that has guided more than 100 apprentices through their professional and academic development. Five cohorts have now graduated, several with First Class BEng (Hons) degrees – an achievement that speaks to the exceptional dedication and ability of our apprentices.

Building a robust, industry‑ready curriculum

A cornerstone of the programme’s success has been its academic rigour and professional relevance. One of my key responsibilities as Programme Director has been overseeing the strategic development of the curriculum, ensuring it remains aligned with the evolving needs of civil engineering practice. I have worked closely with more than 30 industry partners – from major contractors to specialist consultancies – to understand sector priorities and embed these into our teaching.

A major milestone was securing Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) accreditation in both 2018 and 2023. This recognition confirms that our curriculum meets the high standards expected for professional formation in civil engineering and reflects the robustness of our teaching, assessment, and employer‑integrated learning model.

Our comprehensive programme reviews in 2021 and 2023 further strengthened this foundation. These revisions were guided by extensive feedback from apprentices, academic staff, and industry supervisors, ensuring our curriculum remains both academically rigorous and immediately relevant to workplace practice. The result has been a more streamlined structure, enhanced applied learning, and a programme that responds dynamically to the needs of apprentices and employers alike.

Supporting apprentices and staff alike

Graduate Apprenticeships differ from traditional degrees in more than structure – they require a tailored approach to support. Apprentices balance university coursework with the responsibilities of full‑time employment, often contributing directly to major engineering projects from day one. Recognising this, I have focused on ensuring that our academic staff understand the unique context and pressures GA students face.

Over the years, I have supervised Academic Advisors, chaired the Civil Engineering GA Working Group within our school, and produced a suite of guidance materials and video resources to support both staff and apprentices. This work has helped foster a shared understanding of the GA model across our school and ensured that learners receive consistent, specialised support throughout their studies.

A programme lifted by a strong academic environment

The GA in Civil Engineering benefits tremendously from being embedded within one of the UK’s leading engineering schools. Heriot‑Watt’s Civil Engineering provision is:

• 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for graduate employability (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024)
• Top 15 in the UK for Civil Engineering 2026 (The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide)
• Top 200 globally for Civil & Structural Engineering in the QS World University Rankings 2026

These successes reflect the quality of our teaching, our strong industry links, and the real‑world impact of our research.

Our world‑class facilities further strengthen this environment. Apprentices benefit from hands‑on experience and access to:

• A full‑scale accelerated railway track testing rig
• Triaxial apparatus capable of simulating complex 3D ground stresses
• Drop test apparatus and actuators capable of simulating static as well as dynamic loads on structures
• Hydraulics flumes for modelling flood events and sediment transport
• A small structures laboratory used for applying theory into practice by testing forces, loads, as well as deflection on beams and cantilevers
• State‑of‑the‑art geotechnics and materials laboratories

This access ensures apprentices not only understand theory but see firsthand how it connects to engineering challenges they encounter at work.

Why Choose a Graduate Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering?

Reflecting on the last eight years, the advantages of the GA route are clearer than ever:

1. Learning in Context

Apprentices apply university learning directly to real engineering problems, accelerating their professional growth and deepening understanding.

2. Industry‑Aligned Skills

Close collaboration with industry partners ensures our apprentices graduate with the competencies, confidence, and mindset employers need.

3. Academic Excellence Without Compromise

The programme offers a full honours degree, professionally accredited and academically rigorous – delivered through a model that enhances, rather than limits, learning.

4. A Debt‑Free Route into a High‑Impact Career

Apprentices earn a salary from day one, with tuition fees funded – removing financial barriers and enabling a more diverse cohort to enter the profession.

5. Exceptional Employability

Our graduates step into the workforce with four years of real experience and industry‑focused academic preparation – giving them a substantial head start in their careers.

Looking ahead

The success of the programme is the result of a collective effort: our dedicated apprentices, our committed academic colleagues, and the industry partners who invest their time and expertise. With this strong foundation, I am excited about the future of Graduate Apprenticeships at Heriot‑Watt and the role they will continue to play in shaping the next generation of civil engineers.

Laurent Galbrun, Programme Director for the Civil Engineering Graduate Apprenticeships