In September, 14 apprentices at Thales, a global technology giant spread over 56 countries and with markets in aerospace, security, defence and transportation, will commence the BSc Digital and Technology Honours programme at Anglia Ruskin University.
The course is specifically designed to address skills gaps in areas such as cyber security analysis, software engineering and network engineering.
Around one million new recruits are needed in the sector by 2023, with employers currently struggling to find the right people to fill vacancies.
Suparna Ghose, Principal Consultant for Strategy and Partnerships at Anglia Ruskin University, said: “Degree apprenticeships have the potential to transform the national skills landscape and Anglia Ruskin is at the forefront, with hundreds of apprentices due to start their courses in this academic year.
“We are delighted to partner with Thales UK. As a top 100 apprentice employer with an award-winning early talent apprenticeship programme, Thales continue to be a pioneering force in influencing and changing perceptions about degree apprenticeships within technology and engineering.”
Nicola Anderson, Head of Apprentice Development Thales UK said: “We proudly invest in apprentices to build high quality and early talent for the business and are delighted to be working with ARU on the delivery of our UK digital programme. Their blended delivery model and close employer engagement has enabled us to develop an exceptional offering that will help us to develop a skilled workforce for the future.”
The course was launched in September last year, but this will be the first full cohort of Thales employees to commence their studies.