Modern Apprenticeships
The Modern Apprentice Programme within the University of Glasgow combines hands-on workplace experience with formal training. Our apprenticeship programmes offer a comprehensive introduction to specific industries within the University of Glasgow and the chance to obtain a modern apprenticeship, alongside valuable work experience. Our apprenticeship programmes provide the opportunity to join a team making contributions to our strategy. Dedicated professionals will guide your formal learning and workplace experts will help you gain new skills on the job. Entry requirements vary depending on the apprenticeship being undertaken.
Modern Apprenticeships help develop the workforce and can tackle possible skills gaps, boost productivity and help the University of Glasgow stay competitive.
Modern apprenticeships are available at:
- SCQF level 5 – considered to be the same level as National 5
- SCQF level 6/7 – considered to be the same level as Highers
University of Glasgow modern apprentices are:
- Employed on a full-time basis.
- Mainly based on campus (location within the university is dependent on what department they work for).
- Trained and supported in the workplace, working towards nationally recognised Scottish Vocational qualifications (SVQs).
- Given the opportunity to achieve additional academic qualifications, such as a Higher National Certificate, through day-release at college (where appropriate).
Why choose the Modern Apprenticeship route?
By becoming an apprentice at the University of Glasgow, you will train with some of the best academic, technical and professional services staff, specialising in the area of your apprenticeship and getting relevant workplace experience that will kick-start your career. Many of our apprentices have progressed their career within the university, to specialist and senior roles.
You can:
- Earn while you learn
- Work towards a nationally recognised qualification
- Achieve high-value, high-quality work experience, gaining vital exposure in a workplace environment
- Access training and support from highly experienced professionals
- Develop job-specific skills crucial to your chosen industry
The University offers Modern Apprentice roles across its colleges and university services. Modern Apprenticeships give anyone over the age of 16 the opportunity to work in a paid job while undertaking workplace training to gain new and enhanced skills and recognised qualifications, across a wide range of industries. This lets people work, learn, and earn at the same time. An apprenticeship is an alternative route into the world of work, equipping people and employers with the skills they need to succeed. Modern Apprenticeships are aimed at anyone looking to get started in a career or those who want to change career.
All the Modern Apprenticeship frameworks have been developed by sector skills councils, in consultation with their industry, and cover the skills required to become for example an engineer, technician, or administrator in that area. Modern Apprenticeship frameworks can also be used as the basis for training more established employees. This means that Modern Apprentices can build valuable work experience from day one and gain an accredited qualification which is recognised by industry. They will develop skills and expertise for their current and future jobs.
Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks
Each Modern Apprenticeship framework is made up of 3 parts:
- The occupational SVQ at level 3, with some frameworks incorporating level 2. This work-based qualification demonstrates that an employee can do their job at a certain skills level.
- Core skills – communication; problem solving; information & communication technology, numeracy and working with others.
- Some frameworks contain components which have been added to broaden training and encourage personal development and flexibility in the workplace. These additional components vary but may include additional units from other SVQs, industry specific qualifications or other qualifications appropriate to the sector.
Types of Apprenticeships
- Foundation Apprenticeships – for pupils in S3 to S6. They choose this qualification as part of their subject choices and get the chance to work with employers.
- Modern Apprenticeships – primarily aimed at people who are 16 to 24 although there is no upper age limit. A modern apprentice is employed and works towards a qualification with a college or learning provider.
- Graduate Apprenticeships – for anyone who is 16 or above – there is no upper age limit. A graduate apprentice is employed and works full-time while gaining an Honours or Masters degree.
As a Modern Apprentice you will be employed from the start of your training, you will receive a salary and you will gain an industry-recognised qualification. You will be given the chance to develop expertise and knowledge through on-the-job assessment, and where appropriate, attendance at college or a training centre to study the theory relating to your chosen occupation.
There are over 80 different modern apprenticeships and the University support those covering job roles in sectors such as construction, engineering, science, IT, gardening and administration. Apprenticeship training programmes are specifically tailored to ensure you develop the skills the University wants.
World-changing ideas begin with world-changing people, and we believe that ideas flow more freely when our colleagues feel valued and supported. We want to work together to build a community with a culture of being values-led with people at its centre, and play our part as global citizens engaged in a shared endeavour to make tomorrow better.
We are a place that inspires ambitious people to succeed. A place where inquiring minds can develop their ideas. A place where talented people are given the space to realise their dreams.
Most importantly, we are open to the world. Our doors are open to the brightest minds, regardless of background. We are open to collaboration and the exchange of knowledge with other universities, government and business.
To continue to be a world-class and progressive university, we are dedicated to bringing inspiring people together to change the world.
We're investing in our university and we'll invest in you
We have a competitive package of employee benefits to show our appreciation of the value you'll bring to our team.
41 days holiday
Generous annual leave allowance, including Christmas / New Year closure and adjusted public holidays
Financial Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Pension options
- Salary sacrifice schemes
Travel Benefits
- Season ticket transport loans
- Cycle to work scheme
- Commuter Travel Club
My Lifestyle Rewards
Colleagues can enjoy a wide range of exclusive discounts and benefits all to help their money go further.
Colleague Recognition Schemes
It's important to us to recognise and reward colleagues for their contributions to the university.
- Rewarding contribution scheme
- Voucher reward scheme
- Long service awards
- Celebrating success awards
Development Opportunities
We're a university, development is what we're about and that includes for our colleagues.
- In house development courses & programmes
- Secondment opportunties
- Clear career progression pathways
- Discounts to study on our university programmes or short courses
Wellbeing
We aim to create an excellent colleague experience by embedding wellbeing as an integral part of what we do.
- Confidential support, advice and counselling
- On-site gym and leisure facilities with FREE 6 month membership for all new colleagues
- Colleague health and wellbeing hub
Work & Family Support
We understand that family comes first, that is why we support our colleagues to work along side their family responsibilities:
- Carers leave
- Flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Parental leave
- Workplace nursery
- Parent and carers networks
Many of our apprentices carry out Technical and Specialist roles across the University, working as part of our technical community. The University of Glasgow is a signatory to the Technician Commitment, which is a UK-wide initiative that aims to ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for all technicians working in higher education and research instiutions.
Technical Modern Apprenticeships at the University of Glasgow
Some of our current and former technical modern apprentices describe what it’s like to be an apprentice at the University of Glasgow.
In addition, some managers and the modern apprenticeship lead from HR talk about how the University supports apprentices and ensure their development and progression.
The recruitment of our Modern Apprentices follows the same process as recruiting any prospective employee to the University. If you are considering recruiting a modern apprentice or would like further information, please contact Angela Loy or Andrea Miller to discuss further in the first instance (include both our emails).