Degree Apprenticeship in Digital & Technology Solutions at Aston Dr Victoria Uren

“Degree Apprenticeships are transforming the way in which young people learn. They enable people to receive a degree, awarded by world-class universities that will be held in equal esteem as a traditional full-time undergraduate route – but with the chance to earn from day one.” Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service “It’s a really good opportunity to progress your career and achieve a degree without having to pay out vast sums like normal students. That being said, it’s hard work and will be a challenge, but the rewards and the outcome after [...] years hard work outweigh those challenges by far.” Gregory Wolverson, Capgemini, enrolled on the BSc Computer Software Development degree

The Outcome Degrees lead to the award of full Aston BSc Active, creative IT professionals Depth of knowledge

Outline Developing a pathway to a degree for Higher Apprentices Delivering degree-level teaching and assessment in the workplace Supporting and mentoring students in collaboration with employers

Filling the Digital Skills Gap Economic growth is being put at risk due to skills gaps in the tech workforce, with 72% of large companies and 49% of smaller companies reporting gaps between the skills held and the skills needed by their tech specialists. Employers also reported significant problems in recruitment, with 42% of those recruiting tech specialists constrained by 'hard to fill' vacancies. Source Employer Insights: Skills Survey 2015

Designing the Solution Government’s proposed solution: a work-based degree to better prepare young people for the workforce. A task force set up in September 2014 led by the Tech Partnership involving industry and academics Past successes: ITMB – 1,200 students in total; 5% unemployment; 75% with a First or 2:1 compared to 51% in other computing degrees Higher Apprenticeships – at level 4 (equivalent to first year university); 1,000 students in total. Six Trailblazer standards defined and approved.

Degree Pathway for HAs 2 work-based distance learning programmes, launched in April Collaboratively designed by Aston University and Capgemini. Progression route from higher apprenticeship to BSc. Established programme extended to include Stage 1 (Level 4) i.e. the entire degree as an integrated unit Recruiting for September 2015

Why Choose a Degree Apprenticeship? Graduates will gain a full BSc (Hons) degree and prepare for a successful career. Students will be employed throughout and doing paid work from day one. Over 80% of apprentices remain with their employer after completing their apprenticeship. Students are an attractive proposition for employers who see this as a way of recruiting top prospective graduates. Gain a head-start in their chosen profession.

Why Choose a Degree Apprenticeship? Students will: be capable of making a real contribution within a few months, graduate with five years of applied occupational experience in a technology solutions environment. Students will gain: practical computing skills and occupational competence, the project, interpersonal and business skills required to operate successfully as an IT Professional.

One Degree – Two Streams Technical Focus Software Engineering Technical and Business Focus Business Information Systems

What Students will learn Shared Start-up Block Training: Java and OOP, software engineering, database systems and web development Software Engineering How to think like a programmer: Problem Solving Practical skills: Thorough grounding in OOP (through Java Program Construction), Data Structures and Algorithms Software Engineering Business Information Systems Understanding Data: Business Analytics and Data Mining Managing Data: Advanced Database Systems Making use of Financial Data: Introduction to Accounting and Business Economics

Relevance and Flexibility Large portions of the course can be tailored to the student. Up to 60 credits (25% of the course) of optional modules to allow students to specialise. Both streams have major group and individual projects We are happy to work with employers to tailor projects to: employers’ needs. students’ working responsibilities. Each student has a personal mentor to help: us to fit coursework to students’ roles, students to find opportunities to apply their learning in practice.

How Students will learn Work-based Distance Face to Face

Distance Learning Majority of the course delivered through virtual learning environment Blackboard. Lectures recorded for students to watch (and re-watch) asynchronously. Supported by other self-study learning objects. Labs/tutorials/seminars delivered through “virtual classroom” Blackboard Collaborate. Scheduled outside normal working hours (currently 8pm) Often repeated to allow flexible scheduling Backed by virtual office hours.

Benefits of Distance Learning Flexible about when much content is consumed. No time wasted in travelling to a central location releases employers from need for a local supplier Less disruption to business than block release Students can revise & repeat recorded material

Advantages of an Existing Programme We already have a viable cohort in-place: More students means more flexibility of module choice Depth and breadth of experience: Interaction with other companies’ undergraduates adds context Assurance: Based closely on existing programmes endorsed by e-skills and the BCS. Ready-to-go!

The Model Student Resilient with ‘stickability’ Inquisitive Responsible Strong work ethic Like Problem-solving Completer finisher Eye for detail Motivation to drive their own learning Good at teamworking

Recruitment Students must be sponsored by their employer Therefore need to match Aston & Employer criteria These will include Situational Strengths Tests as well as exam grades Some employers e.g. Capgemini have their own recruitment programmes SMEs can work with Aston to find the right student

Summary 2 streams for IT-oriented junior talent Software Engineering for those focusing on technical computing. Business Information Systems for those in more business oriented roles. Work-based blended learning: Majority distance learning designed to suit those in work Commitment to work with employers to ensure programmes deliver the right skills.

Questions? Contacts: Dr. Harry Goldingay (Programme Director Computer Science) Tel: Prof. Ian Nabney (Head of Computer Science): Tel: Dr Victoria Uren (Programme Director Business School) Tel: