Modern Apprenticeships

Thinking about your future? Or are you deciding what you would like to do when you leave school? Then a Modern Apprenticeship at the University of Edinburgh might be the right opportunity for you.

Guidance and information for managers

This page is aimed at prospective Modern Apprentices. If you are a manager looking to recruit a Modern Apprentice, please see our pages aimed at managers as well as our MA Recruiters Guide:

The University of Edinburgh recognises that young people bring a wealth of talent, creativity and enthusiasm, critical now and for the future success of the University.

The University as an employer is a supporter of the DYW Pledge (previously known as Young Person’s Guarantee) and committed to providing opportunities for young people. We have made an ongoing commitment to youth development, acknowledging the critical impact it has on meeting the University’s strategic aims and objectives, including our Strategy 2030, Community Plan and People Strategy.   

A Modern Apprenticeship at the University of Edinburgh is a fantastic opportunity to start or enhance your career. It is paid employment which provides you with the opportunity to gain experience and work towards an industry recognised qualification.

A Modern Apprenticeship aims to support the employment, training and development of people moving forwards with their chosen career path.

Students in a laboratory environment.

The length of the Modern Apprentice contract will depend on the type of apprenticeship. An apprenticeship at the University can last from 18 to 24 months.

An external training provider manages the training programme, which can combine college or workplace with professional development with practical experience.

For example, our Life Science/Lab Technician Apprentices will typically attend Fife College once a week, and our Business Administration Apprentices will be assessed by an external assessor on-site. They will be asked to demonstrate their learnt skills to the assessor by writing a case study.

There are over 100 apprenticeship frameworks* available through Skills Development Scotland. The Developing Young Workforce have created some really useful Get work Ready and Career Spotlight packs to help you navigate the types of roles available: Curriculum Pack (dyw.scot)

You can also find out more about the different industries on the My World of Work website: Industries | My World of Work

Here at the University we have had apprentices in the following areas:

Career Outlook for Financial Services

Career Outlook video for hospitality

Career Outlook video for hospitality

Career Outlook for Financial Services

Career Outlook for Financial Services

*A framework is a job type for the requirements of the role and contains details of what's involved in an apprenticeship.

Meet our Modern Apprentices | The University of Edinburgh


The University of Edinburgh is a living wage employer, and apprentices are paid £22,995 per annum.


If you are/have:

  • Keen to develop new skills and a willingness to learn
  • A good level of written and verbal communication skills
  • Able to use Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, and Word
  • An understanding of how to be customer-focused
  • Wanting to maximise your potential and your future career
  • Positive, punctual, reliable, consistent, focused, self-motivated and committed
  • Able to follow instructions and pass on information in a clear manner, both written and verbal
  • Capable of planning your day and prioritising tasks and activities
  • Committed to taking part in a Modern Apprenticeship and becoming part of the Modern Apprentice community

Then we want to hear from you!

Some of our apprenticeship roles may require a particular qualification or knowledge. Details of these will be found on the adverts and job descriptions. ​​


Apprenticeships are available to applicants from age 16 upwards with no maximum age.

To be considered for a Modern Apprentice programme in Scotland, you need to be:

  • Aged 16 or over
  • Living in Scotland
  • Not in full-time education*

Do you want to:

  • Earn while you learn?
  • Build skills that employers are looking for?
  • Get a head start and gain experience while working towards a qualification?
  • Start your career at one of Edinburgh’s biggest employers which is committed to developing our young workforce?

Then a Modern Apprenticeship at the University of Edinburgh may be the right opportunity for you.

* If you are already taking another training course or qualification, you should complete this first before starting an apprenticeship. 


I think the University of Edinburgh is a really good employer, they are also very flexible and fun to work for. My manager is very accommodating and has helped me lots. I have enjoyed meeting and working with lots of different people from radiographers to administrators.

Luke Modern Apprentice in Business Administration

As an apprentice, you will be employed by the University and learn by working alongside experienced colleagues as well as by attending a more formal course in your chosen field.

You will work with various staff across the department, increasing your confidence in communication and interpersonal skills.

You will learn to work accurately and methodically with attention to detail. This is also a great opportunity to increase confidence in using your initiative within a team environment and develop problem-solving skills. At the end of the apprenticeship, you will gain an industry-recognised qualification. In addition, our employees benefit from a competitive reward package and a wide range of staff benefits.

Supporting your wellbeing

Pension Schemes

Strong community engagement

The University of Edinburgh has a long and proud history of contributing locally and making an impact through volunteering opportunities.


Apprenticeships typically become available during the summer.

The best way to stay up to date with future opportunities is to sign up for job alerts through Apprentice.Scot. The link to do this can be found at the bottom of the “Find and Apply for a Vacancy” page.


We get it. Filling out applications and making decisions about your future can be overwhelming. Below are some tips on applying for jobs and apprenticeships at the University.

1. Check our current vacancies on the apprentice.scot website.

2. Check out our top tips for applying and useful links below. This will help you when applying for the role.

3. Find how to apply through the University’s job webpage.

4. Apply.


View our Applicant Guide for Modern Apprentices for hints and tips for applying for a Modern Apprenticeship at the University of Edinburgh.


To maintain our reputation as one of the world's leading universities, we recruit the best people to a variety of support, professional and academic roles each year.

We offer an exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. We give you support, nurture your talent, develop and reward success and integrate professional and personal career goals, as well as give your career the benefit of a great and distinguished reputation.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture which promotes equality. Please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages to learn more about how we do this.

More information about the University can be found here: About us | The University of Edinburgh


Although we cannot guarantee a contract at the end of your apprenticeship, approximately 70% of our apprentices have secured further employment at the University past the end of their Modern Apprentice contract.

Research tells us that most apprentices have continued to stay in employment and progressed to the next stage in their career. However, some may decide to go to University or progress onto a Graduate Apprenticeship by applying for a Graduate Apprentice opportunity. 

Due to the size and variety of roles at the University, a culture of internal mobility exists. Employees are encouraged to take that next step in the career or to follow their passions by trying something new.

Modern Apprentice managers are also trained to help to support you throughout all aspects of your apprenticeship, including exploring your next steps and potential opportunities.


Daniel, a Modern Apprentice in Business Administration

I think that the opportunities and experience the University offers are invaluable.  Getting my foot in the door at the University has been the best thing I have ever done.

Administrative Assistant (HR) Modern Apprentice - Centre for Open Learning

Meet our Modern Apprentices

Hear from some of our previous and current Modern Apprentices about their apprenticeships and why they are enjoying working at the University.

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