Edinburgh Napier University

As a Graduate Apprentice, you benefit by being both an employee and a matriculated student. Unlike a traditional university degree, apprenticeships allow you to put theory into practice within real-life situations in the workplace, collaborate with experienced professionals and build lifelong networks with apprentice peers. There is no maximum age limit and all Graduate Apprenticeships are 100% funded through Scottish Funding Council, meaning there are no additional costs to you or your employer.

If you prefer a more practical and work-related approach to study and have a clear idea of the career you want to pursue, then a Graduate Apprenticeships is ideal for you.

As a Graduate Apprentice at Edinburgh Napier University you will:

• Graduate with an Honours Degree while being paid a salary by your employer.
• Pay no tuition fees and graduate without any student debt or loan repayments.
• Grow your career and build the vital skills and knowledge your employer and the wider industry needs.
• Achieve the same level of qualification in the same amount of time as a traditional university student, while amassing up to 4 years’ work experience at the same time.
• Enjoy the same access to university facilities and student discounts as full-time students.
• Be provided with a workplace mentor and university mentor to help support your studies, and how your skills can be applied in work.

How to apply

Whether you are a school or college leaver who is ready for work, a current employee looking to upskill, or changing your career, a Graduate Apprenticeship could be ideal for you.

It is essential that you have a job with an employer that can support your paid time off from work to study, and provide you with a role that is relevant to your course and offers career progression. Once you have this, you can then apply through the university. Applications are managed through our Graduate Apprenticeship team directly, rather than our centralised application process. 

Find an Apprenticeship opportunity

If you’re looking for a new employer, you can find a Graduate Apprenticeship by searching and applying for job roles with participating employers. The best places to look are either on apprenticeships.scot, the main hub for employer recruitment, or directly with employers through their website. You’ll need a CV and cover letter, and each employer will provide a job description which includes details of the role, course, location, and university requirements.  

Employers will have their own application processes, which will include an interview and may also include an assessment centre. Most Graduate Apprenticeships are advertised between January and August.

If you’re looking for advice on CVs and applications, interviewing and starting a new apprenticeship, there a re a number of useful tools available via My World of Work.

Apply through your current employer 

If you are looking to upskill and boost your career through your current job, you will need to discuss this with your employer, and then speak to us. We will meet with you and your employer to go through your course of interest, the application process and ensure both you and your employer understand the requirements to ensure you are successful on the course.

Modern Apprentices

Modern Apprentices who are looking to continue their learning through their current employer via a Graduate Apprenticeship should follow the existing employer application process by completing our enquiry form. You need to have completed your Modern Apprenticeship before starting your Graduate Apprenticeship.