Capgemini
Capgemini is a major multinational information technology consulting corporation that delivers business, technology and digital solutions to clients all over the world.
Like many other large IT companies, Capgemini has been experiencing a worsening skills shortage as experienced staff retire. They recruit around 120 graduates in software engineering each year but need more to meet the growing demand.
Aston University has been working in strategic partnership with Capgemini since 2013 and delivering degree apprenticeships since 2015. The Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship was developed to address acute skills shortages in the UK IT industry.
'Now we have the ability to grow our own graduates,' says Anouska, Capgemini’s Talent Director. 'We know what’s coming up in our business, we know what’s coming up in the industry because we live it and breathe it and we can build that into making sure that everything our apprentices learn at Aston University is directly relevant and reinforced into what they’re doing in their jobs.'
Apprentices Programme Manager, Ben Rubery says, 'Since we started running degree apprenticeships we’ve seen some fantastic results. Degree apprenticeship graduates bring a brilliant sense of energy to the organisation, a really strong work ethic, ambition, collaborative spirit; all that great stuff.'
'The results are impressive also,' adds Ben. 'Over 88% of individuals completing our flagship degree apprenticeship programme have achieved a 2:1 or above. We currently have over 250 apprenticeship students with 50% tracking for a first-class degree. That’s far out performing regular undergraduate projections – so the results are really tangible.'
"My degree apprenticeship has informed my knowledge and my practice, particularly giving names to things I might have done instinctively before. I've also gained a lot of experience and confidence and this has progressed my career much faster than if I wasn't on the apprenticeship scheme."
"Doing an apprenticeship has helped me learn on the job and given me confidence in myself. I now have six years of industry experience and a first class degree, the opportunities are endless."
"My degree apprenticeship proved to me how determined I am and showed me how I can tackle any subject and succeed. I believe this has taught me to be more resilient and I know that if I put the hard work in I can achieve anything. I've come a long way since I started at Capgemini and I'm now working at a senior level managing graduates. I credit this to the attitude I developed through the apprenticeship programme."