With the UK crying out for more digitally skilled employees, QA Apprenticeships has become the first to offer work-based degree programme for IT apprentices.
Filling the digital skills gap
The demand for digital apprentices has never been higher. Last year we brought to you the news that the demand for IT apprenticeships in the UK had doubled, with QA themselves revealing a 40 per cent rise in the number of employers seeking IT apprentices. This emphasises the growing confidence amongst the tech sector in apprenticeships to deliver the skills they need to grow and develop talent into their business.
Now QA is attempting to fill the digital skills gap with its BSc Digital and Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship, which was created in association with The University of Roehampton and The Tech Partnership.
‘‘The Tech Partnership is pleased to endorse the QA and University of Roehampton Degree Apprenticeship,’’ said Bob Clift, head of Higher Education at the Tech Partnership.
‘‘The programme combines QA’s expertise in apprenticeships, Roehampton’s academic credentials and an innovative nationwide delivery model to give employers a distinctive new option when considering Degree Apprenticeships.’’
‘Demand for graduate-level skills within the workplace’
The programme will enable apprentices to explore multiple IT elements, including network engineering software engineering and data analytics. Apprentices will also receive a mentor to gain one-to-one technical skills, while learning new skills through multimedia, practical exercises and intensive workshops
The programme includes modules on big data, DevOps, The Internet of Things (IoT), cloud technologies and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).
‘‘Whilst we have been building the IT apprenticeship market, we have noticed the accelerated growth of the UK technology sector has created demand for graduate-level skills within the workplace,” explained Ben Pike, Director, QA Apprenticeships.
‘‘Since we already have a high level of employer engagement, we believe our new degree programmes are a compelling offer for businesses as a real alternative to traditional computer science degrees.’’
