Member Article

Newcastle College University Centre Supports Digital Future of the North East

Newcastle College University Centre is taking a proactive approach to helping its students into sustainable tech jobs while supporting the digital needs of businesses in the North East.

In January, the first student cohort will embark on the newly launched Level 5 Diploma in Web Applications Development, which offers the chance to become a qualified developer in under a year.

Andrew Nicholson, Head of Digital Technologies at Newcastle College, explains: “The course represents a fantastic opportunity for those who want to quickly and efficiently gain the vital digital skills needed by so many businesses locally, regionally and remotely.

“This course has been launched in response to local employment demand and despite continued job losses and challenges faced by businesses across our region, it offers learners the chance to gain skills that are in demand from a growing sector.”

Newcastle College University Centre has collaborated with Gateway Qualifications, Code Institute and Digital Advisory Board comprised of leading technology firms including PayPal, Microsoft, Capgemini, Accenture, Salesforce and others to devise this qualification and, like all of the College’s curriculum, the course has been launched as a response to the changing needs of local employers.

While Newcastle has already successfully positioned itself as a tech hub, employing thousands of highly-skilled digital staff, the arrival of Covid-19 has accelerated digital transformation across the North East and beyond.

As companies move online to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on their business, it has driven a radical shift in skills required. Technical skills in coding, web development and software development are now in high demand by both SMEs and corporates alike, with job opportunities in these roles opening up across the UK.

Newcastle College and its University Centre have responded to this shift, and with the help of a Digital Advisory Board, has began reshaping its digital curriculum to meet these growing needs. The new Level 5 Diploma in Web Application Development is just the latest in a line of innovative and responsive qualifications on offer, following the recent launch of its Foundation Degree in Engineering with Applied Digital Technologies.

“By delivering high-tech digital skills, we aim to create a pool of technical talent who will accelerate economic recovery in the region, and provide graduates with sustainable careers,” Andrew continues.

“Students applying to enrol on the Diploma in January 2021 will be qualified and job-ready by early 2022, meaning they’ll play a vital role in the recovery of businesses and our region in a post-Covid and post-Brexit economy.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Charlotte Horsfield .