Graduate Apprenticeships (GA) at Edinburgh Napier University offer high quality work-based learning to strengthen the skills people and businesses need. Available to businesses of any size in Scotland, they provide a route for new and existing staff to get a fully funded university degree while in a paid job.

There is no maximum age limit and learning costs are fully funded by Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for the full duration of the course, so there are no costs to your business or your apprentices.

Graduate Apprentices typically spend 20% of their time studying at university, and the remaining 80% applying their learning and progressing as professionals in the workplace. Tasks and projects apprentices carry out in work can also count towards their degree through work-based learning.

For more information, visit our website and get in touch to start growing your business.

The benefits of Graduate Apprenticeships

There is a whole range of benefits for employers and individuals that can be accessed through the Graduate Apprenticeship scheme, from attracting new talent to developing staff loyalty and improving retention rates. While the easily accessible funding and generous flexibility in entry requirements allows businesses of any size an easy route into adopting the scheme.

Work-ready employees with practical experience

Graduate Apprenticeships provide work-ready skills and behaviours by offering learners a holistic development experience in both study and work. Apprentices gain theoretical knowledge through taught modules at university, and the immediate exposure to the workplace advances their “soft skills”.

They quickly develop highly valued qualities such as problem solving, communication, organisation, creativity and leadership, making them more efficient and improving productivity.

Soft skills development is also supported in academic study through completion of practical assignments, projects, group work and work-based learning.

Fiona Inglis, a Graduate Apprentice with Forrit said: “I have been able to develop skills through university and work and my work has helped me consolidate those skills… The Graduate Apprenticeship scheme sets us apart because we are job-ready when we graduate.”

Flexible entry requirements

One of the key strengths of Graduate Apprenticeships is that it embraces learners of all ages, supporting lifelong learning and the appetite for retraining in older age groups.

While some of Edinburgh Napier’s apprentices are recruited into a new role straight from school or college, others are mature students whose current employer is keen to support their upskilling. This provides the opportunity to develop their skills and experience to those who may not have been able to at a younger age through a university degree, without having to leave their current job.

In addition, Edinburgh Napier can factor in previous qualifications and work experience to make a case for employees to start their course in year two or three, shortening the overall duration of study to achieve their qualification.

Mentoring and guidance for apprentice and business

The strong emphasis on work-based learning, especially in latter stages of the degree, enables flexible learning approaches to best meet the needs and challenges of the apprentices.

To help cope with the demands of work and study, all apprentices are supported by a workplace mentor who aligns their studies with professional development in the workplace. In addition to this they’re also provided with a mentor from the university who advises on all aspects of study.

Edinburgh Napier works closely with workplace mentors to ensure apprentices are receiving the right experience to support their learning.

Alex Walker, Business Operations Director with Forrit noted: “We would absolutely recommend Napier’s Graduate Apprenticeship courses to other businesses. Edinburgh Napier have been fantastic; they have made everything so straightforward and simple. From helping us enrol our graduates, advising us on funding, and supporting our apprentices on their learning journey.”

An innovative workforce

With this level of support early on, apprentices quickly build confidence both in university and in work, progressing to become an independent learner whilst bringing new skills and knowledge into their work.

The combination of working and learning simultaneously means employees can implement new ways of thinking straight away.

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Alex added: “Our Graduate Apprentices bring lots of new ways of thinking into our business which really helps to strengthen the service that we are delivering. We also save time and money on recruitment costs, and we enjoy a very high retention rate amongst those who complete the scheme.”

A commitment to learning and development

By signing your business up to the Graduate Apprenticeship scheme, you are demonstrating your commitment to learning and development amongst your team, contributing to your recruitment efforts.

Fiona explained: “I wanted to work for Forrit because of the Graduate Apprenticeship scheme. I was employed as a Graduate Apprentice and that to me proved that the company was willing to invest in its employees and with that, showed that they would be developing a loyal, hardworking workforce that is attuned to exactly what Forrit needs.”

Alex echoed this statement by saying: “I think the Graduate Apprenticeship scheme helps to set our business apart from others because it demonstrates our commitment to learning and development and really helps us to attract and retain the best employees.

For more information on partnership opportunities available with Edinburgh Napier University, visit our website to get in touch and start growing your business.

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