RGU is partnering with businesses to deliver innovative work-based learning

Graduate Apprenticeships have been developed by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) in partnership with employers, universities and professional bodies to provide work-based learning degrees, creating stronger links between industry and education, and increasing graduate employability skills.

Following the successful launch of the two inaugural courses, IT Management for Business and Software Development for Business last year, RGU was awarded a further 135 fully-funded Graduate Apprenticeship places spread across a range of disciplines including construction, engineering, business management and IT which all started in September.

Professor John Harper, Principal at RGU, said: “RGU has a history of close partnership with employers and is proud to have a portfolio of courses which develop high level, professional, skills to meet the needs of students and industry.

“RGU’s approach to Graduate Apprenticeships takes this one step further – shifting the university into the workplace – and, through this, extending access to degree-level study and recognising the value and importance of work-based learning.

“We are particularly delighted to be partnering with companies across the North East and more widely who have joined us to co-develop and support this new model of learning. As a transformational initiative, all involved can be rightly proud of the opportunities being created for learners and businesses.

“This partnering has been underpinned by RGU’s commitment to fully recognise learning which takes place in the workplace, offering flexibility in our approach, to enable companies of all sizes and shapes to engage and secure benefit.”

Graduate Apprenticeships were designed in response to demand, with the aim of addressing national skills shortages in key areas, such as digital technology, and to enable employers to shape their workforce in line with business demands while offering a high value, low cost option to retain and upskill staff.

Professor Harper continued: “We are very proud to be leading this programme with our employer partners and are fully committed to making sure our graduates are as prepared for the workplace and for their future as they can be.”