RSE Apprenticeship Programmes
Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships
Launch your career in the water industry through on-the-job training in your chosen trade or specialism.
RSE Modern Apprenticeships
Start your career with hands-on experience, recognised qualifications and the opportunity to earn while you learn.
RSE offers a range of Modern Apprenticeships combining practical, on-the-tools experience with college-based learning, with a particular focus on electrical and mechanical engineering.
Open to applicants aged 17 and over, our Modern Apprenticeships provide an excellent alternative to university and a strong foundation for a career in engineering. You’ll gain valuable industry experience while earning a wage and studying towards a recognised qualification.
What you Need to Know
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements vary depending on the apprenticeship, although most typically require three or more National 5 or equivalent qualifications, with passes in Maths, English and a Science preferred.
Ongoing Support
Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll be supported both in the workplace and during your college studies. RSE works closely with its network of college partners and has a dedicated Apprenticeships Programme Manager, ensuring you have access to guidance and support throughout the programme.
An Award-Winning Apprenticeship Programme
RSE is proud to be an award-winning apprenticeship employer, having been named Large Employer of the Year at the Highlands & Islands Apprenticeship Awards in 2025. Our apprentices have also been shortlisted as finalists in the SJIB Apprentice of the Year Awards for five consecutive years, reflecting the strength of our programme and our commitment to developing the next generation of skilled engineering professionals.
Discover Opportunities Across RSE
Explore our trade disciplines and apprenticeship locations
Modern Apprenticeship Trade Disciplines
—Mechanical —Electrical —Fabricator/Welder —Pipefitter/Welder
—Control & Instrumentation —Multiskilled —Assembly
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RSE Apprenticeship Locations
—Muir of Ord —Cumbernauld —Dalgety Bay
—Darlington —Dewsbury —Grays
Grow Beyond Your Apprenticeship
Your development doesn’t have to stop when your apprenticeship ends. Modern Apprenticeships can lead to a wide range of opportunities across RSE, with some apprentices progressing from trades-based roles into positions such as Project Engineer, applying the practical knowledge and experience gained during their apprenticeship to the next stage of their career.
“
The combination of work-based learning and academic development throughout my RSE apprenticeship, and the explicit support of the two, has been extremely valuable in my personal and professional growth and facilitated my career pathway from an RSE apprentice to a Project Engineer
Jordan Geddes – RSE Senior Project Engineer
Build a Successful Career in the Water Industry
Becoming an RSE apprentice brings personal and professional growth in a dynamic, supportive team environment. We actively identify potential in our apprentices and provide structured career development to help with progression into senior roles.
We embrace diversity and encourage applications from people with various backgrounds and experiences. If you are driven, eager to learn, and ready to embark on a fulfilling career journey, we’d welcome your application.
Graduate Apprenticeships
Build your career while gaining valuable industry experience and working towards a university degree.
RSE’s Graduate Apprenticeships combine full-time employment with university study, giving you the opportunity to apply academic learning directly to real engineering projects. You’ll earn while you learn, develop practical industry experience and work towards a recognised degree-level qualification.
How the Programme Works
80% Working at RSE
20% University study
Typical work/ study split. Delivery may vary by programme and university
A Route to Higher Education
As the most advanced level of apprenticeship, Graduate Apprenticeships provide a work-based route to higher education, with progression opportunities ranging from SCQF Level 8 through to master’s degree level at SCQF Level 11.
A Graduate Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 10, equivalent to an honours degree, can take up to four years to complete. Depending on the course and your previous qualifications, there may also be opportunities to complete the programme within a shorter timeframe or continue your studies to master’s degree level.
Learn While you Work
Typically, you’ll spend around 80% of your time working at RSE and 20% studying with your university. Depending on your course, university learning may be delivered through day release or block release, allowing you to combine academic study with practical experience in the workplace.
Build Your Engineering Career
For those looking to begin a career within the water and engineering sectors, a Graduate Apprenticeship offers the opportunity to develop both the academic knowledge and practical skills needed to build a rewarding career.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and university. Most Graduate Apprenticeships have requirements similar to the corresponding undergraduate degree, while alternative learning pathways and previous experience may also be considered. RSE applicants will typically require at least three Highers at pass level, alongside meeting the requirements of their chosen university.
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