Early Career Starter Programmes
Our career starter programmes are aimed at those just starting their careers, or those starting a new career. We offer graduate roles, internships and apprenticeships to help give you an introduction to a department or multiple departments. But it’s not just these structured programmes that are available to career starters – keep an eye on our vacancies page for any other open vacancies that might be suitable for your skills and experience.
Graduate roles
Our graduate programme recruits graduates into permanent roles in various departments across the business. You’ll be a vital part of your team, with your own responsibilities and projects to work on – of course, always with the support of your new team.
You’ll have access to the same rewards and benefits as everyone else, including opportunities to develop your career through training opportunities, courses, mentoring, job shadowing and more.
Explore our current roles on our graduate vacancies page.
Apprenticeships
Our apprenticeships give you real-world experience in the workplace while you complete your studies. We offer two types of apprenticeships:
- Foundation apprenticeships for school pupils who have chosen to do a college subject during their 5th and 6th years. You’ll have the chance to get real-world experience, where you can put some of the skills you’re learning at college into action. If you’re interested, get in touch with someone at your school who can help.
- Modern apprenticeships offer roles in several of our departments. You’ll usually have the chance to work across different teams within your department to get an understanding of the different roles, whilst also working towards a vocational qualification related to your role. You’ll have your own responsibilities, as well as access to the same rewards and benefits as everyone else. This includes career development and training opportunities such as courses, coaching, job shadowing and much more. When our next modern apprenticeships are available, we’ll advertise them alongside our other vacancies.
Find out more about Foundation Apprenticeship on Apprenticeships.scot opens in a new window
Find out more about Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot opens in a new window
Support for young people
We want to make sure everyone at Scottish Enterprise feels supported and has access to development opportunities.
But we know that young people sometimes need extra support to get their careers started, figure out their career goals, and settle into life in the workplace.
We know that joining a workplace as a young person can sometimes feel like a daunting prospect and we can offer you any extra support you might need to settle into your new career.
As a Young Person Guarantee employer, we:
- Encourage all young people to aim for at least five development days a year
- Will ensure you’re supported at all levels by highly skilled and trained colleagues
- Can offer you access to a buddy and coach to give you extra support
- Can offer you the same development opportunities as all our employees – training opportunities, work shadowing, coaching, and achieving recognised qualifications where they’re relevant to your role
If you join us as a young person, you’ll also have the opportunity to get involved with the Young Leaders Group who can offer support, gather feedback, make sure our young employees’ voices are heard, and help our young people to find their full potential.
Other career opportunities
We don’t just hire those in the early stages of their careers through these structured programmes. Explore our current vacancies to find other roles that could match your experience and qualifications.
Our employer accreditations and awards
Got a question?
If you’ve got any questions about our vacancies, life at Scottish Enterprise or the application process, feel free to get in touch.