Heriot-Watt University has been awarded significant funding to develop and deliver the new Graduate Level Apprenticeships launched by Skills Development Scotland (SDS).

Heriot-Watt has received funding for 25 places on each of three Graduate Level Apprenticeships: IT Management for Business; IT Software Development; Engineering, Design & 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.

Dr Robin Westacott will oversee the programme at Heriot-Watt University, building on existing partnerships with employers, as well as developing new relationships with companies that might benefit from the Graduate Level Apprenticeships. 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, said: “Heriot-Watt has a long heritage of working closely with business and industry, transferring knowledge into social and economic impact. Delivering the Graduate Level Apprenticeships is a natural progression that will strengthen existing industry relationships and create exciting opportunities for collaboration with new partners.

“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.”

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.