As part of its continued drive to expand opportunities for young people in the technology industry, BJSS has today announced plans for a £1m investment to add degree-level apprenticeships to its BJSS Academy offering.

Key takeaways:

• The 39-month degree – commencing in March 2023 – will see the initial cohort of candidates achieve a BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions upon completion. Candidates will have the opportunity to specialise in an area of their choice – from software engineering to management consultancy and DevOps.
• The programme is part of the BJSS Academy, which is open to GCSE-level people of all socio-economic backgrounds to jumpstart a career in the technology and consulting industry. BJSS is targeting this £1m investment towards early talent (individuals aged 18-24) who demonstrate potential but are looking for alternative career paths outside of the traditional university route.
• The firm is looking to use this investment to support diversification in the tech industry. Between 2019 and 2022, a quarter of BJSS Academy recruits were female and 27% were from BAME communities. This new offering aims to improve upon these figures.
• The degree will be run in partnership with degree apprenticeship provider, Multiverse. Multiverse’s Technology Consulting Apprenticeship helps consulting firms develop and retain a diverse pipeline of junior talent by creating three-year degree programmes equipped with a curriculum that is comprehensive, yet personalised, to ensure apprentices can adapt to meet market demands in an evolving digital landscape.

Dan Webb, Head of Academy at BJSS, said: “It is great to see BJSS doing yet more to help young people, whilst supporting those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, thus improving the diversity of the IT industry now and in the future.”

Naivasha Mwanji, Partnerships and Outreach Manager, said: “Increasing the diversity of the tech sector is a shared mission between Multiverse and BJSS, and this initiative will create incredible opportunities for young people of all backgrounds across England.

Not only will apprentices learn the most in-demand digital skills and gain a degree, they'll also be earning and working at a top firm."

Frazer Robinson, Head of Talent at BJSS, said: “The BJSS Academy has enabled us to attract and train hundreds of talented people from all walks of life into a career in our industry. Our sponsorship of 12 degree-level apprenticeships provides opportunity for young people for whom the traditional university route might not be possible, to gain a degree. They’ll also gain three years’ work experience alongside some of the best in the business.”

The apprenticeships will be based in London, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, and Nottingham. However, the hybrid set-up of the course, blending face-to-face training and mentoring with remote working, opens this opportunity up to candidates across the whole of the UK.

You can see BJSS’ new apprenticeship opportunities here.