Edinburgh Napier University

An Edinburgh Napier University student and IT manager at computing giant IBM, who started her course with no previous tech experience, has been named Graduate Apprentice of the Year.

Stephanie Burgoyne was presented with the honour at the 2025 Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in recognition of her work as an Assistant Release and Configuration Manager. She combines this with her studies at ENU, where she is on the IT Management for Business programme.

In her role with IBM, Falkirk-based Stephanie is responsible for the performance of one of its social security accounts – and helped 400,000 people access the Scottish Winter Heating Payment, overseeing transactions worth more than £20 million.

The 19-year-old said: “It makes me feel so recognised. Although sometimes you may feel the work you’re doing isn’t as impactful as your peers, it just goes to show you should have a lot of faith in yourself and the work that you’re doing.

“Having hands-on experience through a Graduate Apprenticeship gives you a head start in your career.”

Scott Killen, Graduate Apprenticeship Delivery Manager at Edinburgh Napier University said: “We are absolutely delighted to see Stephanie win Graduate Apprentice of the Year at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards. 

“Before joining the programme, Steph had no formal IT qualifications, yet through dedication and hard work, she has excelled in her role at IBM. 

“Beyond her outstanding achievements in the workplace, she has been a passionate ambassador for the Graduate Apprenticeship programme. This includes giving talks and hosting mock assessment centres at her former school, and sharing her insights as a panellist at our Edinburgh Napier GA Business Breakfast in 2024.
 
“This recognition is truly well deserved and a testament to Steph’s efforts both in work and university.”

Graduate Apprenticeships are work-based degree programmes that enable apprentices in full-time employment to gain a university qualification while working. They provide a flexible and practical route into higher education, helping to develop industry-ready skills while addressing Scotland’s skills shortages and widening access to higher education. 

Tuition fees are covered by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), meaning there are no additional learning costs for apprentices or employers.

Stephanie’s award win comes at the start of Scottish Apprenticeship Week – which celebrates the contribution apprenticeships make for business, people and Scotland's economy.