Information for employers

Work-based learning refers to tasks and projects carried out in the workplace that count towards the degree in terms of learning and assessment. Importantly, because academic and work-based learning are integrated, the degree can be completed on the same timescale as a traditional undergraduate degree.

The exact split between work and learning is agreed by employer and the university providing the course, which means that attendance at university can be flexible based on the employer's requirements. The optimal balance between work and study is about 4 to 1.

Both. Graduate Apprenticeships are open to existing employees and new recruits.

The honours degree-level course takes four years to complete.

We work with you to ensure that the learning experience of your apprentices develops them into the graduates you need. We will do this through an initial programme design and regular update meetings to ensure that your apprentices meet all of the required outcomes over the 4-year programme. We help to devise projects and identify your desired outcomes for the mutual benefit of the individual and business, while meeting the outcomes of the apprenticeship framework.

The study includes standard classroom sessions with other apprentices taught by our leading academics and industry experts, as well as online learning modules, directed learning and work-based projects. Each apprentice has a dedicated academic supervisor and we arrange regular supervisory meetings, either on-site or via conference call or Skype.

Each apprentice has an individual learning agreement (ILA) forming the basis of their learning. The ILA is individual to each apprentice and designed and discussed with both the apprentice and their employer. Formally the ILA is agreed each year but is reviewed quarterly to address any changes due to business requirements.

Employers taking part in the GA programme must:

• consider whether a candidate has a reasonable chance of achieving the selected programme during the selection process – this includes not only the course content but the acquisition of wider graduate attributes  
• provide agreed information to support the candidate's application to the degree course
• provide apprentices with suitable opportunities for the type of experience in the workplace that will support their learning and skills acquisition
• provide each apprentice with a nominated mentor who must be readily accessible by the apprentice and to the learning provider
• liaise with the learning provider on the content and practical activities in the apprentice's individual learning and training plan
• provide information that will support the individual apprentice and their assessment.

Heriot-Watt provides a personal tutor for each apprentice. You should also provide workplace mentors for your apprentices and we will provide training for mentors if required. This will also count towards CPD for your employees.

The combination of personal tutor and workplace mentor provides the majority of the support for your apprentices throughout the programme, although apprentices can also get support from University staff and their colleagues in the workplace throughout.

All programmes are fully funded by the Scottish Funding Council and there are no fees charged. The only cost you have is the salary of your new or existing employee.

Graduate apprentices must receive a salary. They are not entitled to the same support that traditional students receive, i.e. loans and bursaries. It is recommended that you pay at least the living wage for new employees, and salaries for existing employees must be assessed individually, and remember that Graduate Apprentices must be full-time employees.

Employers must allow apprentices time for their academic learning, approximately one day a week, so they are able to manage a demanding university degree programme.

From April 2017, employers with a wage bill of more than £3 million are paying an apprenticeship levy at 0.5% of the employer's pay bill. The apprenticeship levy is aimed at funding apprenticeships across the UK. For the most up to date information about the Apprenticeship Levy and what this means for employers please refer to the Skills Development Scotland website.

There is no restriction on the size of organization, industry or location.

The deadline for applications is in August, but please apply as soon as possible once you are certain you want to enter the programme, so that we can reserve a place for you. We have limited places per year and they are offered on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified candidates.

September, although there are flexible entry and exit points, so this can be negotiated to fit the needs of your business.

International experience demonstrates how degree-level apprenticeships can drive economic growth. We believe this approach can benefit the Scottish economy. The range of approaches taken in countries including Switzerland and Germany to develop employer-led, work-based learning pathways to learning and employment provide the basis for how Scotland can use work-based learning to improve the operation of the labour market and to deliver economic growth. Skills Development Scotland is now leveraging the development of graduate apprenticeships to support this change.