Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a seamless learning pathway for employers and their workforce, marking a significant step forward in professional education in Scotland.

This strategic partnership aims to integrate vocational and academic education, offering a continuous journey from entry-level qualifications to graduate degrees, tailored to meet the evolving needs of Scottish businesses.

The MoU facilitates a unified approach to workforce development, allowing businesses to access a full spectrum of training options through closer collaboration and proactive referral between both institutions.

The joint initiative aims to guide employers and learners to the most suitable educational pathways, from HNDs to Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships. By making direct referrals between Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh College, the partnership seeks to align skills development with industry needs, especially in high-demand sectors like data science and digital technologies.

While maintaining their respective areas of expertise, both partners will work together to ensure flexible progression routes, including promoting Graduate Apprenticeships as an advanced option for suitable candidates and roles.

Jen Henderson, Head of Talent Partnerships at Heriot-Watt University, said:

“This partnership represents a significant shift in how we approach workforce development in Scotland. By breaking down the traditional barriers between vocational and academic education, we’re not just creating a pathway – we’re building a bridge to the future of work.

“What excites me most is the potential to transform lives. Whether it’s a school leaver starting their career or an experienced professional looking to upskill, this collaboration opens doors that were previously hard to access. It’s about making lifelong learning a reality, not just an aspiration.

“For employers, this means access to a talent pipeline that’s continuously evolving with the needs of industry. It’s a game-changer for how businesses can approach long-term skills development.

“As we start our 8th cohort of Graduate Apprentices, this partnership with Edinburgh College is an ideal way to strengthen our employer engagement. We’re already looking ahead and starting our recruitment activity for September 2025, ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of Scottish businesses and their workforce.”

By combining the strengths of both institutions, the partnership aims to increase the accessibility of higher education and skills development. This approach addresses a growing need in the job market, as recent studies indicate that 91% of adults believe on-the-job training or career development training is essential or important when looking for a new job or role.

Shona Pettigrew, Director of Enterprise and Knowledge Exchange at Edinburgh College, said: 

“We are delighted to be working with Heriot-Watt University to offer enhanced skills development opportunities and pathways for businesses and their employees, ensuring that both current and future workforces are equipped to meet the evolving skills needs of our industry partners. 

“At Edinburgh College, we provide education and training to people and businesses across the region and beyond. Through this partnership we look forward to expanding our provision and to collaborating with the university on a joined-up approach which provides lifelong learning and professional development opportunities for people at any stage of their education or career.”

The initiative is set to launch in September 2024, coinciding with the new academic year. Employers and prospective students can find more information about these opportunities at https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/business/graduate-apprenticeships.htm.