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Department store group John Lewis has opened applications for its new IT degree apprenticeship, which launches in September.
Developed in conjunction with The Tech Partnership, the four-year degree apprenticeship will offer eight students who have completed A Levels the opportunity to gain on the job training in IT department at John Lewis’ head office in Victoria, while studying for a degree in Digital & Technology Solutions BSc (Hons) at the programme’s education partner, Queen Mary University of London.
The degree apprentices will spend three days a week working in the IT department at the head office, and two days a week studying at the university.
Their salary will progress throughout the programme, with a starting salary of £16,000 rising each year based on performance. They will not amass any tuition fee debt.
After four years, candidates will obtain a full BSc (Hons) degree and progress to the next stage of their IT career within the John Lewis IT team.
John Lewis IT director Paul Coby said: “It’s fantastic to be able to work with The Tech Partnership to offer talented young people the opportunity to kick-start a career in IT through our new degree apprenticeship. “This programme is a great alternative to university and successful applicants will receive transferable workplace skills, in addition to a degree education, and I hope that we will find some future leaders in IT via this scheme.”
The Tech Partnership chef executive Karen Price added: “John Lewis was among the first to recognise the potential of degree apprenticeships in tech, and they have been closely involved in developing the rigorous academic and practical curriculum.
“The programme, which has been accredited as Tech Industry Gold for its quality and business relevance, is an exceptional opportunity for talented candidates who want to build a successful and enjoyable career in technology. I urge anyone with passion for IT to apply.”
Professor Rebecca Lingwood, vice-principal for student experience, teaching and learning at Queen Mary University of London, commented: “We’re excited to build upon our track record of partnering with businesses. Graduates from this course will have the best of both worlds by learning from real-world situations and gaining the most up-to-date, technical knowledge from their courses and lecturers at Queen Mary University of London.”
