Civil Engineers first in Scotland to start new graduate apprenticeships

7th March 2016

Employees from Inverness-based civil engineering firms are the first in the country to enrol on a new programme to develop skills and qualifications up to Masters degree level.

The 18 employees from companies including Mott MacDonald, Morgan Sindall and Morrison Construction – have enrolled on a Graduate Level Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering and will work towards a programme that combines a Higher National Diploma and an SVQ level 4 in Civil Engineering at Inverness College UHI.

The new qualification has been designed to enable individuals to gain higher level education and professional qualifications while they work.

Developed by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and partners, its supports employers to develop the skills of their workforce by providing opportunities for employees to study at college or university.

The Graduate Level Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering is the first work-based learning programme up to graduate level to be introduced in Scotland.

Speaking at the launch at Inverness College Terry Dillon, Programme Manager at Skills Development Scotland said: “Graduate Level Apprenticeships have the potential to become a key tool for employers to up-skill their existing workforce.  It also enables individuals who have chosen to go directly into employment to access university or college, improving their productivity and future prospects.

“International research suggests that if Scotland utilised this approach to the same levels as leading European countries it could add up to £4bn to the economy.

“SDS has been working to develop work-based learning that begins at secondary school and creates opportunities for individuals to gain academic and professional qualifications while at the same time apply their learning in workplaces throughout their career.”

Diane Rawlinson, Chief Executive and Principal of Inverness College UHI said: “Inverness College UHI is now the first institution in Scotland to provide a complete pathway for work-based learning. Starting with Foundation apprenticeships at secondary school, students can now progress through Modern and Graduate level apprenticeships too, resulting in the achievement of a professionally recognised degree.

“Our work-based learning pathways provide exactly what employers and learners tell us they need, programmes that are fully-embedded in the world of work, where people can develop skills that help them develop rewarding careers. New programmes, including the Graduate Level Apprenticeship in civil engineering, will support economic growth in the region, as well as contribute to the delivery of crucial projects such as the dualling of the A9 and A96.

“The University of the Highlands and Islands work-based learning hub is at the centre of these developments, leading the way, developing innovative solutions for skills and curriculum development in Scotland.”

Ian MacDonald, Contracts Manager at Morgan Sindall said: "As a company committed to developing its workforce Morgan Sindall is delighted to be part of the first phase of Graduate Level Apprenticeships.  These apprenticeships carry on the earn-as-you-learn concept. Because it’s tailored to our business’s needs it has the potential to develop well-rounded individuals who are both academically and professionally qualified, with the skills to advance in a career in civil engineering."

SDS is also working with further and higher education institutions to develop Graduate Level Apprenticeships in engineering and ICT/digital, with recruitment for both is expected to begin later this year.

Morrison Construction employee Joanne Bain, one of the first intake of Graduate Level Apprentices said: “The new graduate-level apprenticeship programme offers a fantastic opportunity to develop my career and with Morrison Construction. Having completed a modern apprenticeship programme in civil engineering previously, I know how beneficial it is to be able to develop new skills at college and then be able to apply them at work.

“By taking my training to the next stage and completing a graduate level programme I can achieve a professional qualification without leaving employment to attend university. This is the ideal option for me and it will definitely support my career progression now and in the future.”

Graduate Level Apprentice Richard Green, an employee at Fairhurst Engineering, said: “The great thing about apprenticeships is the fact they give you a real world insight into your chosen industry. Instead of just completing a course then hoping you can get a job afterwards, they give you the chance to gain skills and work experience at the same time, which is hugely valuable.

“By having the opportunity to progress through different levels of apprenticeships, people can become real experts in their trade. The new graduate-level apprenticeship takes work-based learning to the next level – it will certainly help me gain the competitive edge over those who do not have the same level of work-based experience.”