A record number of entrants will learn ‘on the job’ as part of this year’s University of Dundee Graduate Apprenticeship programme.
A total of 80 applicants are to receive fully-funded places at the University, allowing them to develop to honours degree level by spending one day per week at the University, while continuing in their roles with their employer. This year’s intake also sees a significant rise in the number of employers utilising the programme, up to 60 from 47 in 2020.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, employers are realising more than ever the importance of upskilling their workforce,” said Wayne Paul, the University’s Industrial Liaison Officer.
“Graduate Apprenticeships are a great way for employers to develop current and new members of their workforce, reaping the benefits of their experience, while also providing them with new skills that will ultimately benefit their business.”
Graduate Apprenticeships are opportunities that combine work-based learning and high-quality education, allowing both students and employers to benefit. As well as allowing employers to develop the skills of existing employees, Graduate Apprenticeships also allow new staff members to learn on the job, improving productivity, morale, retention, and quality of service.
Places are funded by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) with the University working in partnership with employers to provide qualifications in subjects covering Business, IT, and Engineering.
The University first teamed up with SDS in 2017 and currently offers places on five courses:
- Business Management BSc (Hons)
- Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Engineering, Design and Manufacturing BEng (Hons)
- IT Management for Business BSc (Hons)
- IT Software Development BSc (Hons)
Businesses can either recommend an existing employee to undertake a Graduate Apprenticeship or hire a new member of staff. Apprentices come from a range of backgrounds and roles, with varying levels of qualifications, from entry level roles up to management, all of whom share the common goal of wanting to develop their skills and experience.