BPP redesigns BSc Digital & Technology solutions degree apprenticeship

Over the next five years it is predicted a requirement of two million additional technology roles will be created in the technology sector, following recent years’ rise in demand for roles such as full stack developers, data scientists, and dev-ops engineers.

In response to and following the wider Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education (IfATE) review into the future of apprenticeships across the digital sector, BPP has redesigned its flagship Level 6, BSc Digital & Technology solutions degree apprenticeship (DTS) which learners can start from January 2021.  

This new, fully online degree apprenticeship has been designed to ensure employees can understand the role of technology across an organisation, the value of technology investments, and how technology can be used to help businesses become more competitive.  It is aimed at providing people with the skillset needed for the rapidly growing digital economy, further enhanced by the Covid-19 pandemic and increase in reliance on technology and remote working.    

Recent research carried out by BPP among over 1,500 professionals shows that 40% think that the rate of technology change exceeds current skills development programmes and 42% also fear that there are simply not enough qualified candidates available to apply for technical roles. This programme will allow businesses to equip their existing employees with the right skills to plug these gaps. 

BPP already runs the biggest technology degree apprenticeship programme in the UK.  The new DTS - developed in consultation with clients that have been working with us over the last 4 years and enrolled almost 300 individuals through the programme – is designed to better understand their requirements for future skills within technology. This programme is more innovative, collaborative, practical and has the option of 30- or 48-month programmes.  

Paul Rowlett, Dean of BPP’s School of Technology says that “the accelerated pace of technology-driven change means companies now requires specialists with a much broader set of skills - from data analytics to robotics, user experience to cyber-security and integration.  Our redesigned DTS is not only innovative, but it also meets employer requirements for future skills with our careful alignment of content to wide range of industry leading technical qualifications.

“Looking to the future, it is predicted that there will be an increase in the number of individuals who need awareness and understanding in data, security requirements software, engineering and broader consultancy skills. 

“The insights that our current learners and clients have shared as part of the DTS course redesign, will also help ensure that all our technology apprentice programmes – including data analyst, software developer and cyber security technologist –  remain highly relevant to the needs of businesses in the years ahead.”

Earlier this week, BPP celebrated its first cohort of degree apprenticeship graduates who began their DTS studies in 2015. Forty learners sat the end point assessment and 39 passed, with 24 gaining a distinction and a further 10 a merit.  The ‘first generation’ DTS class included learners from Santander, J.P. Morgan, KPMG and Nationwide.

Find out more about our BSc DTS degree apprenticeship here.