It is the first time PwC will work with a further education college, instead of a university, to offer another route into careers in technology, with apprentices supported by PwC and earning while they learn.
Based at its newly launched technology centre in Manchester, this programme will create at least 50 new roles each year. Apprentices are PwC employees from day one and earn a salary throughout the course which blends 20% college learning with 80% practical work-based technology projects.
Designed to appeal to students who want to get practical work experience straight away, and fast track their careers in technology without the traditional university pathway.
As the digital skills gap continues to widen, creating a barrier for growth, this programme will support a diverse pipeline of entry-level tech talent. Working with Ada, the programme will give students from a broad range of backgrounds the opportunity to build a career in technology.
Ada shares PwC’s vision of increasing the volume of technical apprenticeships and creating the pre-apprenticeship training and support to allow people from underrepresented backgrounds to access them.
Through the tech degree apprenticeship programme with Ada, students will earn a Level 6 (degree) apprenticeship. The programme covers a broad range of disciplines including data analytics, software engineering and cyber security.
Kevin Ellis, chairman and senior partner at PwC UK said: ‘We are committed to expanding and adapting routes into PwC - there is no one-size-fits-all approach to starting a career and we want to give people choice, whether via university or straight from school.
‘Particularly in the current climate, we’re mindful that the affordability of further education will be an increasing issue for many young people leaving school. By working with universities and colleges to broaden the options available, we can help prevent people from missing out, and develop relevant skills that are so in demand by business. We can also be strategic on the locations we target, supporting growth across the UK.’
Ben Higgin, head of technology and investment at PwC UK said: ‘This technical apprenticeship will offer transformative opportunities for students who are looking to begin their careers in tech, while supporting a pipeline of entry-level tech talent in the north-west - further boosting the region’s credentials as a technology centre.
‘Students will spend a significant amount of time working in PwC’s tech hub on practical projects in areas like data analytics and cyber security, while working towards industry recognised qualifications. We anticipate high demand for places on the programme.’
Sukvinder Kathuria, head of faculty at Ada, the National College for Digital Skills said: ‘We are delighted to be working with PwC on the tech degree apprenticeship programme. The apprenticeship offering at Ada provides life-changing opportunities for the next generation of diverse digital talent.
‘Our values of curiosity, rigour, creativity, collaboration and resilience are threaded through every aspect of the teaching and learning experience. We offer ongoing pastoral care through multiple facets to ensure the apprentices are fully supported on every level. We look forward to meeting our new cohort of PwC apprentices.’
