Graduate Apprenticeship Programme

Graduate Apprenticeships combine work-based learning with high quality education

Supporting employers to develop the skills of their workforce.

The University of Dundee is one of the providers of a major new programme of Graduate Apprenticeships launched by Skills Development Scotland (SDS).

Graduate Apprenticeships are a combination of work-based learning and high quality education, allowing both employers and students to benefit in a number of ways.

Businesses can either recommend an existing employee to undertake a Graduate Apprenticeship or hire a new member of staff. Current employees could be professionals who have no formal education and are keen to progress, or non-technical employees moving into business, IT, software development, or engineering.

“This kind of work-based learning offers great opportunities for people to develop the skills that our industrial partners are looking for, and strengthens the links between the University and business.”

Karen Petrie Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching, School of Science and Engineering

What is a Graduate Apprenticeship?

  • Graduate Apprenticeships are an honours degree which uses work-based learning
  • They provide a new way for people to study for a degree who are currently in employment, or who want to work in a relevant role gaining the right experience while studying.
  • Employees can broaden their knowledge, learn new skills and secure industry accreditation, which will them progress as professionals and contribute to the business they are employed by.
  • By investing in their staff through the apprenticeships, employers can develop their workforce and support staff to develop their skills to industry and professional standards, in turn supporting the business and developing new solutions to day to day challenges.
  • Because the Graduate Apprenticeship is designed around the needs of industry, employers will have confidence that what their staff are learning at university will directly contribute to the success of the business.
Young male student sitting in a classroom
“I liked the idea of gaining experience within the world of work and having an up-to-date knowledge based on current activity within the industry rather than going to University full-time. However, the Graduate Apprenticeships are the best way to study. It puts you in a position where you are ahead of the standard graduate with four full years industry experience by the time you finish with a equivalent degree.”

Kyle Baptie, Civil Engineering Graduate Apprentice

Supported by Skills Development Scotland and the Scottish Funding Council

Find out more about the Scottish Graduate Apprenticeship programme.