Inverness College UHI launches new Graduate Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering

The development comes after the University of the Highlands and Islands was successful in its bid to Skills Development Scotland to run the four-year SCQF Level 10 work-based learning programme.

Inverness College UHI currently provides a GA in Civil Engineering at SCQF Level 8 (Diploma in Higher Education).

It means the university now provides a seamless work-based learning pathway in Civil Engineering right through from the senior phase of school to honours degree.

In partnership with CITB, the university was the first in Scotland to develop and pilot a GA and Inverness College UHI is now working with its third cohort of GA civil engineering apprentices (Level 8). Its first graduates are due to complete their studies in January.

Carrie Higgins, Civil Engineering GA programme leader, said: “The University of the Highlands and Islands is very proud to be a pioneer in this type of apprenticeship and we are absolutely delighted to be able to extend our offering to provide a GA in Civil Engineering at Level 10, allowing apprentices to study right through to Honours Degree level. We have built up a very strong relationship with industry and work closely with employers so we know demand is there for this type and level of learning. It’s not only attractive to employers because it means they can provide training to an employee from the very start of their degree, it also means students can earn, learn on the job and study at the same time. It really is a win, win.”

Inverness College UHI is now working with its partner employers to shape delivery of the new GA (Level 10), which is largely based on the university’s BEng in Civil Engineering, to ensure it meets the demands of industry. Employers with apprentices on the current GA (Level 8) include Allen Gordon, Balfour Beatty, D MacKay & Son, Global, John Gunn and Sons, Highland Council, Moray Council, Morgan Sindall, Morrison Construction, Mott MacDonald, Pat Munro and Springfield.

Liz Urquhart, regional commercial administrator for Morrison Construction, said: “The Level 10 GA brings a tremendous opportunity for civil engineering students, enabling them to obtain a degree while working on site gaining hands on experience and also earning a living. It offers a comprehensive learning experience by applying theoretical knowledge directly in the workplace. Employer input and mentoring is essential in this newly formed curriculum and the university has actively sought and applied employer’s comments throughout the development of this new programme.”

The Level 10 GA is similar to the Level 8 GA in that students will spend the majority of their time in the workplace, attending Inverness College UHI for block release, supported by online learning. Work they do ‘on the job’ counts towards their qualification and on completion of their studies they will leave with an honours degree, vocational qualification plus four years of invaluable industry experience.

Civil engineering technician Alvin Hunte (28) completed the GA at Level 8 in May. He works for Highland Council and is planning to return in September to continue his studies up to Level 10.

“The GA in Civil Engineering is ideal for anyone who wants to get into Civil Engineering, but feels they can’t afford to study full-time,” he said. “As an apprentice every minute at work is relevant to my course, and every minute at university is relevant to my work. I’m really looking forward to studying again.”

Graduate Apprenticeships have been developed by SDS in partnership with employers, universities and colleges and professional bodies to create stronger links between education and industry.

Skills Development Scotland, Director of Service Design and Innovation, Jonathan Clark, said: “Graduate Apprenticeships have the potential to transform the way that young people access further and higher education, and it’s clear from the demand that many companies and Universities feel the same way.

"Graduate Apprentices will be employed during their studies and because much of the learning takes place in the workplace they will have the opportunity to immediately apply what they learn at college or university in their jobs – and vice versa.

“This provides opportunities for employers to help shape the skills of their employees and to address skills shortages affecting their industry and the local economy.”

The university currently offers apprenticeships in Civil Engineering at Foundation, Modern and Graduate level. Foundation apprenticeships are aimed at secondary school pupils in their senior phase, who attend college one day per week and benefit from work experience. A foundation apprenticeship can provide a pathway into work or further study. Many students choose to progress on to a modern apprenticeship, where they are employed in a workplace and attend on day or block release to gain a practical and academic qualification. The GA provides a natural progression route for a modern apprentice, allowing them to study at a higher level. It is also a single route in its own right.

Inverness College UHI currently provides training and education to almost 148 engineering apprentices as well as 79 civil engineering apprentices. Across its Modern Apprenticeship pathways, it provides training to up to 650 in sectors including aquaculture, business, engineering, motor vehicle, hairdressing, creative industries, hospitality, forestry, life sciences and financial services.