Graduate Apprenticeships | Degree Apprenticeships Scotland

Graduate apprenticeships are available in Scotland and allow you to gain a degree while getting industry experience and earning a salary. They’re available at a range of different levels:

SCQF Level 8- equivalent to a higher national diploma (HND) or an SVQ 4
SCQF Level 10- equivalent to an undergraduate degree
SCQF Level 11- equivalent to a master’s degree

What are the entry requirements for a graduate apprenticeship?

To apply for a graduate apprenticeship, you need to:

Be aged 16 or over – there is no upper age limit. In some roles, you need to be over 18 for health and safety reasons
be a Scottish resident
have the right to live and work in Scotland

An apprenticeship is like a real job, but with a study element, so you’ll need to satisfy any requirements from the employer and the training provider. It’s not just about grades. It’s also about showing a willingness to learn and passion for the subject you’ll be taking.

If you’re not ready for a graduate apprenticeship, there are also:

foundation apprenticeships (only available to those still in secondary school)
modern apprenticeships

How do graduate apprenticeships work?

A graduate apprenticeship is like a job, but you’ll also get a degree at the same time. You’ll spend most of your time doing on-the-job training and the rest studying with a university your employer is partnered with.

There will be no cost to you, but you will need to apply for SAAS funding each year of your apprenticeship. The fees are paid directly to your uni or college.

Amy, apprentice at Leonardo

A graduate apprenticeship can be a great choice to help you transition from education to work. I was going down the university route, but a friend who was a year above me at school was working at Leonardo as an apprentice and loved it.

Erin Maciejewski Level 5 Laboratory Science Chemistry Apprenticeship

Erin, apprentice at University of Glasgow

I actually already have a degree, but I wish they’d had apprenticeship programmes back then as I’d have definitely opted for this route. I felt at a bit of a loss after graduating in terms of jobs to go for, so this opportunity came at the perfect time for me.

What industries are graduate apprenticeships available in?

Graduate apprenticeships are available in the following industries:

accounting
business management
construction and the built environment
cyber security
data science
early learning and childcare
engineering (civil, design and manufacture and instrumentation, measurement and control)
IT (management for business and software development)

Which industry is for you?

Not sure what industry you might want to do an apprenticeship in? Look at our industry guides for inspiration.

Browse by industry

£20,153*

The average salary of an apprentice in Scotland

*Glassdoor

500**

Number of employers offering graduate apprenticeships in Scotland

**Skills Development Scotland

89%**

Percentage of graduate apprentices who would recommend GAs

**Skills Development Scotland

Pros

You’re an employee and get paid a salary, a holiday allowance, and sick pay
You’ll gain professional experience in your chosen career and put what you learn into practice daily
You won’t have to pay any costs towards your degree, as they’re funded by the Government
Many apprentices end up in permanent employment with the same company after the apprenticeship, or have the chance to move elsewhere

Considerations

It’s a real job! You’ll have to get to work on time and keep up with what’s expected of you
You’ll need to manage your time so you can fit in working and studying.
With a graduate apprenticeship, life is than doing a traditional degree. Whilst there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people, it won’t be like going to uni full-time
You’ll get paid, but like any other job, you’ll be paying tax and national insurance. You need to manage your money and budget well

FAQs about graduate apprenticeships

Do I have to complete the whole apprenticeship if I already have some experience?

Graduate apprenticeships have flexible entry and exit points, so you can begin and leave the course at the right point. The uni will look at what you have previously studied alongside industry experience and agree the stage you are at with your employer. It’s designed so that you don’t repeat any learning you’ve already done.

For example, an apprentice with an SCQF level 8 before starting a graduate apprenticeship at SCQF level 10 might have part of their qualification recognised as part of the apprenticeship.

Are there other levels of apprenticeships as well as graduate ones?

Yes. There are also foundation and modern apprenticeships. It’s common for people to complete a modern apprenticeship and then progress to a graduate one later. You want to find the right level that suits your current learning stage.

Can you do a graduate apprenticeship as an employee?

Yes. Graduate apprenticeships are open to existing employees as well as new applicants. Speak to your employer to see what options are available to you.

The Ultimate Guide to choosing your next steps

What you choose to do next depends on you and no-one else. Our guide helps you explore what might be right for you.

Discover advice

Foundation apprenticeships are available if you’re in your 5th or 6th year at secondary school in Scotland.

Modern apprenticeships are available in Scotland and give you the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification, while getting industry experience and a salary.