Heriot-Watt University and J.P. Morgan Forge New Path with Graduate Apprenticeships
Heriot-Watt University is announcing a groundbreaking collaboration with J.P. Morgan, focusing on the recruitment of Graduate Apprentices (GAs) for the Business Management for Financial Services programme. This initiative shows both organisations’ commitment to delivering practical, career-oriented education that nurtures new talent within the financial services sector.
Scotland’s financial sector, a cornerstone of the economy, is the largest sectoral contributor based on Gross Value Added (GVA) and employs around 135,000 people. Despite its continual growth, recent statistics from the Skills Action Plan by Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) highlight a looming talent crisis, with a growing demand for skills but a shrinking supply of talent. Additionally, the rapid evolution of the industry is driving an increased demand for new skills, particularly in data science and software development.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are an innovative initiative that blends work-based and academic learning to create degree-qualified employees equipped with essential industry skills. These programmes are tailored to address critical skills gaps in key growth sectors of the Scottish economy.
A Strategic Partnership
Professor Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal - Business and Enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, reflects on this strategic partnership:
“Our collaboration with J.P. Morgan exemplifies our strategy to align education with industry needs. These new Graduate Apprenticeship positions will contribute significantly to mitigating the skills gap in Scotland’s financial services industry, offering a direct pathway for students into highly skilled and in-demand roles.”
Successful candidates for the Graduate Apprenticeship positions at J.P. Morgan will enjoy the unique opportunity to ‘earn while they learn,’ acquiring crucial skills and knowledge that are highly valued in today’s market. Through a practical, work-based learning approach, apprentices can immediately apply their new insights in their roles. Upon completing their coursework, they will be awarded a degree from Heriot-Watt University. The specialised programme in Business Management: Financial Services includes modules such as Financial Technology and Financial Regulation, designed to meet the evolving needs of Scotland’s Financial Services sector.
Addressing the Skills Gap
Lynne Lockier, EMEA Emerging Talent Vice President at J.P. Morgan, comments on the importance of this partnership:
“Our new partnership with Heriot-Watt University Graduate Apprenticeships will directly answer the urgent call for generating new talent for Scotland’s financial services sector. By fostering a close relationship between students’ learning and their work, we’re not only preparing them for the challenges of today but also for the innovations of tomorrow.”
The SFE’s Skills Action Plan also highlights significant skills gaps in data analysis and software development. Heriot-Watt’s Data Science and Software Development for Business degrees are at the forefront of addressing these specific technical skill shortages. The Data Science programme immerses learners in crucial skills such as statistical analysis, machine learning, and computational techniques, tailored to meet the industry’s specific demands. Similarly, the Software Development for Business degree equips apprentices with the latest coding skills required by Fintech innovators, covering areas from blockchain technology to mobile platform development.
A Commitment to Employability
Heriot-Watt University is renowned for its strong emphasis on graduate employability, being the first in Scotland and ranking first in the UK for graduates holding CEO or MD roles (Novuna Business Cash Flow, 2023).
For financial services organisations looking to tackle skills gaps, more information about Graduate Apprenticeships can be found here.
This collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and J.P. Morgan marks a significant step forward in developing the next generation of financial services professionals, equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
