UHI Inverness becomes largest provider of apprenticeships in the region

A university has achieved an unrivalled increase in apprenticeship enrolments.

UHI Inverness is now the largest provider of apprenticeships within the UHI partnership and the region, with more than 750 Modern Apprentices and around 200 Graduate Apprentices currently in training.

The Modern Apprenticeship figure has grown from 206 in 2014/15, and its Graduate Apprenticeships has risen from a starting figure of 13 in 2019/20 as a result of the university’s strategic shift towards work-based learning to meet current skills needs and expected unprecedented regional economic growth.

It is also currently training a further 300 plus plumbing and electrical apprentices on behalf of other training providers.

Principal Professor Chris O’Neil welcomes the economic development opportunities locally, including Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, as the dawning of a new industrial revolution.

As a result, his priority is to further develop the curriculum and campus estate as part of ambitions to position UHI Inverness as the leading provider of workforce skills in the region.

He is supported by the new chair of its Board of Management, business leader Victoria Erasmus, who took up her new position in January with a vision for further collaboration between education and business to provide meaningful employment opportunities for Highlanders.

Victoria said: “By collaborating closely with industry partners, UHI Inverness has designed learning pathways that not only meet the immediate and adapting needs of employers but also support individuals throughout their working lives.

“This agility allows us to stay ahead of industry demands, particularly as we respond to the needs of inward investors and the growing sectors in our region. We are leading the way in creating learning solutions that respond to the emerging needs of industry.

“This ensures that we remain at the forefront of skills provision as the Highlands emerge as the epicentre of green energy technology and infrastructure.

"As a businessperson, I understand the importance of developing strong relationships between UHI Inverness, local businesses and our communities. By protecting and promoting our shared values of care and kindness, we can build the best workforce, enrich our communities, and foster considerate, compassionate individuals. Ensuring that our students receive the best experience and opportunities to thrive.”

The need to enhance traditional academic models with flexible work-based pathways to meet future skills demand has been recognised by industry and sector leaders.

A recent Scottish Engineering report called for action on apprenticeship funding to help address the skills gap to ensure that Scotland does not lose out on an “industrial revolution-sized opportunity”.

Working directly with various partners including Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council and the green freeport, UHI Inverness has the capability and ambition to increase skills capacity and training in line with recruitment plans for the renewables industry.

To meet current and future apprenticeship demand and expand its construction curriculum, UHI Inverness has secured premises for a new Sustainable Construction Centre and has received funding from SSEN Transmission’s Regional Community Benefit Fund towards the project. There are also early plans in development for an engineering training centre.

A new Renewable Energy Training Hub opened on campus in November in partnership with industry, offering training in the latest heat pump technology. Campus renovations are also ongoing to create a technology centre to accommodate an expansion of engineering courses and apprenticeships, and work with key partners is underway to further expand Civil Engineering and Construction and the Built Environment apprenticeships.

UHI Inverness is working with Highland Council and other stakeholders to develop a strategy for sustainable construction and retrofit training to support the Highland Housing Challenge.

It has also collaborated with CECA Scotland Academy and civil engineering employers to introduce a short full-time programme to address a skills shortage in civil engineering operatives, that matches students with recruiting employers. UHI Inverness also delivers industry-sponsored courses such as HNC Electrical Engineering for SSE.

Professor Chris O’Neil said: “We are very proud of our achievements to date and know that our board will support us to further success and growth by guiding, lobbying and holding us and the sector to account. We are growing as a result of our investment budget, supported by innovative and judicious use of our finances, and we need to protect our capacity and ability to do that.

“However, I am concerned that the funding challenges which the college sector faces will constrain our ability to continue to invest and innovate.

“We need investment; education, training and apprenticeships are expensive but if we fail, it will cost Scotland a lot more. There is no more money, so institutional and sector reform must address inefficiency, build effectiveness and demonstrate that we are targeting the maximum available resource at our students and responding directly to the needs of our communities and businesses.”

The expansion of the UHI Inverness apprenticeship training programme began in 2016 with the forming of its Business Solutions team. It works with hundreds of employers, helping them to identify and fill skills gaps through programmes including apprenticeships.

UHI Inverness began offering Graduate Apprenticeships in Civil Engineering and Early Learning and Childcare in 2019/20 and has since added Business Management and Construction and the Built Environment. It has a target of 300 Graduate Apprenticeships for the next academic year, when it will introduce new Graduate Apprenticeships in Engineering and Accounting.

Professor O’Neil added: “Our proactive approach is not only enhancing the employability of our graduates, but also addressing the workforce needs of developments, including the establishment of a freeport and the Port of Ardersier. We have built upon our experience of delivering Foundation and Modern Apprenticeships to create Graduate Apprenticeships, many of which offer progression to master’s degree level.

“By fostering strong partnerships with local businesses and industries, the college is creating a dynamic learning environment that benefits both students and employers, and we have the potential to do even better.”

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