Businesses are being invited to give their views on a new qualification being offered by Teesside University to tackle the shortage of skilled web engineers.
The University is designing its new Degree Apprenticeship (DA) in Digital and Technology Solutions with the input of companies to ensure it meets their needs for the training of web engineers.
The DA allows employees to study for a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (web engineering) whilst they are working and, in addition, employers will receive government funding towards the cost of the qualification.
The DA Digital and Technology Solutions which is being developed by Teesside University will develop web engineers who can define, design, build and test, high-quality web-centric software solutions following best practice and industry standards.
In order to ensure that the contents of the apprenticeship fulfils the web engineering requirement of the computer industry, the University is setting up a working group which will be able to comment upon and influence the course design.
Unlike traditional apprenticeships, there is no upper age limit for a DA.
Associate Dean (Enterprise and Business Engagement) of the School of Computing Siobhan Fenton said: “In order to design the most industry relevant degree programme possible, it is vital that we take into account the requirements of potential employers.
“In this manner we will be able to tailor the delivery of the academic programme to meet the specific needs of employers.
“We want companies to influence the experience their apprentices have on the course, and help create the curriculum.”
The apprenticeship will be led by Barry Hebbron, a senior lecturer in the School of Computing. He added: “We know from speaking with our partners in industry that there is a lack of skilled web engineers on Teesside and firms are having to recruit from outside of the area.
“This apprenticeship is being designed to allow companies to have their own staff trained up to a degree standard.”
It is anticipated that the first cohort of the DA Digital and Technology Solutions (Web engineering) will start in September 2017 but the University is looking for businesses to help develop the curriculum now.
Businesses are being invited to a breakfast event at Teesside University’s Darlington campus on Thursday, 15 December at 7.30am.
Companies will be able to learn more about the new qualification and also sign up to the working group.
For more information about the apprenticeship and the breakfast event, contact Barry Hebbron by emailing scm-enterprise@tees.ac.uk.