PwC has announced it will join forces with two of Scotland’s leading universities to offer apprenticeships in data science. Backed by the Scottish Government and Skills Development Scotland, the Graduate Apprenticeship will offer a new work-based learning route to a BSc data science degree.

The face of Scottish industry is changing, and in an increasingly digitised world, the need for a highly skilled workforce has never been greater. The aim of the initiative is to address this issue and prevent future deficits in Scotland’s workforce by enhancing the nations skills base. Damien Yeates, Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland says the programme: “shows that Scotland is at the vanguard of creating and delivering the educational experiences to seize the opportunities created by these changes.”

Collaboration

The Universities of Edinburgh and St Andrews will work alongside global accounting and business services firm, PwC, to spearhead the initiative. The new Graduate Apprenticeship in data science will combine a mixture of the traditional university experience with highly tailored course content, on-site learning and a salary.

PwC has previous experience in similar initiatives, having already invested heavily in technology programmes at the Universities of Birmingham, Leeds and Queen’s University Belfast. Together, these offer 100 students a year the opportunity to secure a degree in computer science or software engineering.

In September 2018, PwC say they intend to employ 20 data science graduate apprentices across both universities involved in the programme. Future expansion is also expected, with up to 80 places being added over a four year period. Across Scotland this year, 12 different types of Graduate Apprenticeships will be offered by up to 14 universities – employers and educational institutions are increasingly focusing on programmes such as these.

Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of St Andrews University believes this initiative offers a unique, innovative experience for students to develop their skills in anticipation of future employment, stating: “The University of St Andrews sees our partnership with PwC as innovative, inventive, and informed.

“The high-quality education and superb student experience that St Andrew offers, coupled with a course in which engagement with PwC is integrated, offers a new generation a terrific entry into the world of work.”

Sally Mapstone also believes this programme has great potential to revolutionise the way in which students pass through Scotland’s higher education system, stating “This model is one which has great potential for the Scottish higher education sector.”

Vision For The Future

Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Shirley-Anne Somerville, highlighted that Graduate Apprenticeships are a ‘direct response’ to industry need and are being introduced in an attempt to provide students with more pathways into future employment. She said: “We are committed to developing a diverse array of educational pathways so that everyone can fulfill their potential.

“Work-based learning, through the ever-growing range of apprenticeships available in Scotland, has a core role to play in delivering that ambition.

“The data science Graduate Apprenticeship is a direct response to industry need, bringing the skills system, leading universities and employers closer together, helping create the skills and capabilities required to power the Scottish labour market of the future.”