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Tech business supports future talent through 15 postgraduate scholarships

Version 1 – one of the leading lights in the UK computing and software sector – has pledged three years of funding for tech talent development in the North East.

The business has provided funding to help create 15 postgraduate scholarships in Computing Science. These will support five students a year to gain a Masters-level qualification in this high-demand subject area.

Significant growth for Version 1 – as well as a £1m investment from the North Tyne Combined Authority – sees the industry leaders recruiting over 200 staff in Newcastle and establishing a firm footprint in the city.

“Newcastle has one of the fastest-growing tech clusters in the UK and Version 1 is one of the fastest-growing employers in Europe. Newcastle is a modern city investing in the future and Version 1 is a modern employer investing in Newcastle. We’re excited to become a part of this vibrant city’s scene through our partnership with Northumbria University, which has a strong reputation for producing industry-ready Computing Science graduates.”

• Uzma Ahmed, Early Careers Manager at Version 1

The postgraduate students will benefit from funding towards the cost of study, as well as direct input from Version 1 into their programme. This will include mentoring and involvement in real-life industry projects, to help embed their applied learning in professional practice. The business hopes that its direct engagement with students will encourage them to join the company on graduation.

“It’s no secret that demand for tech talent outstrips supply. Version 1 needs a steady stream of motivated, qualified IT specialists to maintain our position at the forefront of our sector. So partnering with Northumbria University – to create opportunities for people to study Computing Science to the advanced professional level we need – is invaluable for our future objectives. These scholarships aren’t just an investment in talented individuals – they’re an investment in Version 1 as well.”

• Alan Reilly,Learning and Development Manager, Version 1

The scholarships are being match-funded by Northumbria University through its Higher Education Without Barriers campaign. This aims to remove financial obstacles that might prevent high-potential applicants from considering postgraduate study.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Version 1 on this new initiative and we are grateful for their support. Our courses in Computer Information Sciences provide much-needed talent to the flourishing local tech sector, and we are delighted to have teamed up with such an ambitious and innovative company. The investment from Version 1 is an endorsement of the quality of our taught programmes and our graduates, and we look forward to working with them to further grow the region’s digital skills base.”

• Professor Martyn Amos, Acting Head of Computer and Information Sciences, Northumbria University

Corporate sponsorship is increasingly important for developing and diversifying the talent pipeline for industry. With many sectors facing imminent and significant skills shortages, strategic partnerships with Higher Education provide opportunities for people from under-represented groups to pursue their career aspirations. This translates into a more diverse and qualified workforce for tomorrow, which benefits individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

Northumbria is partnering with alumni, businesses, and other supporters to provide a range of financial initiatives, mental health and wellbeing services, and community-based projects, to make participation and progression in higher education more achievable for academically talented students, regardless of their social or economic circumstances.

To find out how your business can get involved, contact James Wilkinson at: james.wilkinson@northumbria.ac.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Northumbria University .