Robert Gordon University is backing apprenticeships by getting involved in a new graduate-apprenticeship initiative.
The university has launched two Graduate Level Apprenticeships in conjunction with Skills Development Scotland.
One is in Software Development for Business and the other in Information Technology Management for Business.
In collaboration with businesses, this new initiative will allow apprentices to earn their degree whilst working.
The venture will begin in May and the course has been designed to see practical experience teamed with learning outcomes and specific skill requirements.
RGU’s head of Computing Science and Digital Media, Professor Chrisina Jayne, is excited about the new scheme.
She said: “It is a very interesting project and it is very different from what is now the traditional way of delivering higher education.
“This will be a mix of both an apprenticeship and university which makes it quite groundbreaking.
“It will allow people who are in jobs and who had not wanted to go to university to get a degree, but still follow the traditional apprenticeship route and gain lots of experience on the job.
“They will still have face-to-face or online contact with academics, but they will be achieving the learning outcomes for the course through work-based learning.”
Prof Jayne also believes the enterprise offers a great opportunity for businesses, because RGU can tailor the graduate apprenticeships to meet the requirements of the companies involved.
She added: “We are a hoping for a big response from businesses because we can deliver exactly what they want.
“This is another way of university working with industry and making sure all the programmes are responding exactly to the industry demands. While this benefits the students, it also benefits the companies as well.”
RGU was one of several Scottish universities that applied to be part of the process.
And Professor Jayne said: “We are very proud to be part of this and we are also very enthusiastic about the project.
“RGU has always been known as a university that focuses on employability and making sure our graduates are fit for the marketplace.
“This is part of the ethos of the university and we really recognise the value of apprenticeships.”
