Take the leap and find the right technology programme to gain skills

Kelly Nicholls

CEO, TechSKills

Anushka Suman

Data Analyst Apprentice, Vodafone

The UK has an enormous skills gap when it comes to careers in tech and digital. Large employers such as IBM, BT and Amazon aim to ensure that apprentices and graduates are equipped and are turning to those from accredited programmes.

In an age where many young people are concerned about the financial impact of Higher Education and want assurance about their future job prospects, accredited courses give them confidence that their programme will provide them with the right skills to succeed in tech. Degree apprenticeships combine this reassurance with the opportunity to earn a wage while gaining work experience and a fee-free degree.

Gaining the right skills through technology apprenticeships

Anushka Suman, a Tech Industry Gold degree apprentice, is working as a data analyst at Vodafone. Tech Industry Gold is the only industry-backed accreditation in tech and digital. She explains why an apprenticeship was the right choice for her:

“I was 17 when Covid-19 hit, and it made me unsure whether I wanted to go to university or not. I investigated other options and came across apprenticeships. I liked the idea of being able to ‘earn and learn’ but was surprised to find that many had a negative preconception of this pathway as being inferior to a traditional degree route.

I have gained three years of corporate experience, I’m about to graduate with a degree for free and have also started a successful business in social media consultancy.

Anushka Suman

I decided to take the leap and began a Level 6 degree apprenticeship in digital technology solutions specialising in data analytics, with Blackpool and The Fylde College. My degree apprenticeship is Tech Industry Gold accredited, which means it has the backing of industry, and I can be confident I am gaining the skills that employers have said they need. Earlier this year, I won the Tech Industry Gold National Apprenticeship Award for Special Recognition.”

Following your own path and honing skills

Suman continues: “In 2021, I started sharing my journey on social media and providing career advice for other young people. I have since partnered with organisations such as TechSkills, UCAS and the Department for Education to spread the word about apprenticeships.

“I am coming to the end of my apprenticeship now and can proudly say I do not regret my decision. I have gained three years of corporate experience, I’m about to graduate with a degree for free and have also started a successful business in social media consultancy. My experience shows that only you can know what the right pathway is for you. I’m glad I followed my instinct.”