A guide to Graduate Apprenticeships

Invest in your workforce with GCU's Graduate Apprenticeships

At GCU we provide a range of Graduate Apprenticeships courses that incorporate exceptional teaching with industry partnerships spanning the globe. Our distinct approach to business education goes beyond traditional teaching practices by prioritising close collaboration with our business partners. Leveraging over 20 years of experience in delivering work-based courses, our seamless blend of quality, industry-led teaching and hands-on experience is designed to ensure that your employees' learning is tailored to your organisation's specific needs and values.

Our Graduate Apprenticeship courses are funded through the apprenticeship levy by the Scottish Government and are delivered in partnership with the Scottish Funding Council, Skills Development Scotland and the European Social Fund (ESF).

A graduate apprenticeship is a mutually beneficial endeavour - apprentices have the opportunity to enhance their skill set through practical experience, while employers reap the rewards of heightened productivity and ultimately business growth. To learn more explore some of our inspiring case studies which follow the journeys of our apprentices and their employers

For employers

In recent times, many employers have recognised the immense value of Graduate Apprenticeships as an internal career progression initiative. For employers our graduate apprenticeship courses offer a multitude of benefits, serving as an excellent avenue to bolster human capital and cultivate talent within their organisations. By actively supporting employees through a graduate apprenticeship, organisations can shape and mold them according to their specific needs and values, ensuring a strong alignment between the skills acquired and the organisation's needs.

This approach allows employers to invest in the long-term success of their workforce by nurturing and developing talent from an early stage, resulting in a loyal, motivated, and highly skilled pool of professionals. Furthermore, Graduate Apprenticeships enable employers to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application by providing hands-on experience and real-world context. This practical exposure enhances the apprentices' ability to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional setting, making them valuable assets to the organisation right from the start.

While Graduate Apprenticeships have the potential to cultivate fresh talent, they also serve as a valuable resource for enhancing the skills of current employees. At GCU, our Graduate Apprenticeships are designed to accomodate a diverse range of individuals with our apprentices ranging from 16-year-olds to professionals in their fifties. Our team has adopted a collaborative approach, working together to tailor the learning journey to meet both the employer and apprentice's unique aspirations.

Overall, employers can leverage our graduate apprenticeship opportunity to attract and cultivate promising talent, invest in long-term success, plug skill gaps, and build a strong and capable workforce for the future.

For apprentices

The practical experience gained on a graduate apprenticeship is invaluable and sets apprentices apart in their professional journey. Unlike traditional academic paths, apprenticeships provide a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, working alongside experienced professionals in a professional setting. This hands-on experience offers apprentices a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and intricacies of their field. This carefully balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application creates well-rounded professionals who, with a wealth of hands-on experience under their belt, are ready to make a meaningful impact in their field from day one.

Additionally, the practical experience gained on a graduate apprenticeship allows apprentices to develop a professional network within their industry. They have the opportunity to collaborate with professionals, build relationships, and learn from experienced mentors. And with over 700 current apprentices, studying with GCU, our courses provide an excellent opportunity to increase your personal network and future career prospects.