AN Edinburgh-based university and college have partnered in a bid to provide ‘enhanced’ skills development opportunities for Scots workers.
Edinburgh college and Heriot-Watt University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will aim to create a “seamless” learning pathway for employers and their workforce.
The partnership will work on integrating vocational and academic education, offering a continuous journey from entry-level qualifications to graduate degrees.
The two learning centres say this should allow businesses to access a full spectrum of training options through closer collaboration and proactive referral between both institutions.
Liam Conway (Edinburgh College), Jen Henderson (Heriot-Watt), Shona Pettigrew (Edinburgh College), Dan O’Gorman (Heriot-Watt). Image supplied with release by Hot Tin Roof
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 sectors like data science and digital technologies.
While maintaining their respective areas of specialism, both partners will work together to promoting progression routes.
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 eighth 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 pooling resources, the partnership aims to increase the accessibility of higher education and skills development.
This approach will attempt to address a growing need in the job market, with recent studies indicating that 91% of adults believe on-the-job training training is essential or important when looking for a new job.
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.
“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.”
The initiative is set to launch in September 2024, coinciding with the new academic year.
