Kick-start your career by gaining full-time industry experience and a wage – while you get a degree. You’ll split your time between studying at university or college while you work.
To apply, you’ll need to be aged 16 or over and have the right to work in the UK. Most Graduate Apprenticeships have entry requirements that are similar to an undergraduate degree but will also take into consideration alternative paths of learning. Previous completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship is desirable.
If you love learning by actively putting your skills to work, then a Graduate Apprenticeship could be the ideal opportunity for you. Use the search to find a vacancy you’re interested in.
Your apprenticeship will take place in Scotland and you'll need to be a resident here to apply. As part of your application, you'll also need to show you have the right to live and work in Scotland.
There's no upper age limit on Graduate Apprenticeship. You can apply if you're 16 or over. Some vacancies might be for ages 18 and over because of health and safety requirements.
From 2021, all Graduate Apprentices must apply directly to SAAS for funding. For more information on how to apply, visit www.saas.gov.uk
Already in work? You can complete a Graduate Apprenticeship as an existing employee, too.
If you're considering applying for a Graduate Apprenticeship and can't find answers to your questions here, our advisers can help. You can speak to one of our advisers by calling 0800 917 8000.
No, your learning is funded so there's no cost to you. Plus, you're an employee, so you'll get paid by your employer. If there are additional costs for books, materials and travel you should discuss this with your employer.
Yes, you will have to apply to Student Awards Agency Scotland annually for each year of your course for tuition fees. These will be paid directly by SAAS to the university you attend. For more information on funding for Graduate Apprenticeships, please visit the SAAS website.
Yes. Graduate Apprenticeships have flexible entry and exit points in the programme so you can begin and leave your course at the right point. The university or college will look at what you have previously studied along with any relevant industry experience and agree your current stage with your employer. The Graduate Apprenticeship is designed so that any previous learning you have done will not be repeated.
Here's an example:
You have already got a relevant qualification at SCQF level 8. You then enrol on a Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) at SCQF level 10. You may be able to have some of your GA qualification recognised as being achieved already. This will reduce the amount of time you need to complete the course. However, if you were doing a GA at SCQF level 10 (honours degree level) and left before completing the course, you would only be able to leave with a GA at SCQF level 8 (DipHE level).
Find out more about Graduate Apprenticeships or search for current vacancies
We get it. Filling out applications and making decisions about your future can be intimidating. Head over to our friends at My World of Work to get some brilliant tips on applying for jobs and apprenticeships, as well as guidance that’ll help you build your confidence in decision-making.
Think an apprenticeship is the right choice for you? Let’s get your parents on board too.
Use the link below for a handy guide you can direct your parents or carer to – it'll help them understand what you can achieve and how apprenticeships work.
Guide for Parents
Difficulty thinking about your future, concentrating, or speaking to the people around you can be signs that you may be struggling with poor mental health. It's okay to be feeling this way, and there's loads of support out there for you.
Think about speaking to your parents, or a trusted teacher about how you're feeling – or find support through the resource we've developed that's linked below.
Mental Health Resources
