Digital Degree Apprenticeship launched

KPMG in the Channel Islands have launched a ground-breaking apprenticeship that will see two local school-leavers gain a digital degree, all whilst earning a salary. 

This new incentive will be jointly funded by KPMG in the Channel Islands and the States of Jersey and will promote the development of local digital skills and future digital workers. 

Graduates of this programme can expect to leave with a degree in Digital and Technology Solutions, no student debt and a job. 

The degree is being run in association with Trackers – The Apprentice Programme and the University of Exeter, which is a UK top ten institution and among the top 1% of universities worldwide. The apprenticeship, which will begin in September 2017, is a unique combination of the undergraduate university experience, paid employment and industrial experience. Study will involve three to four days on campus once per term, as well as a number of work-based projects. Students will receive significant on-the-job training and coaching with KPMG to develop a broad set of digital, technical and consulting skills. 

Degree apprenticeships offer a new way to study in the shape of fully-funded pathways to higher education. Apprentices are full-time employees, who will gain a degree over four years at the University of Exeter, through a combination of residential teaching and online learning in the form of webinars, interactive exercises and recorded lectures, and work-based learning.

The firm is encouraging ambitious and talented candidates, with predicted A-levels of AAB or equivalent, to apply for the apprenticeships. 

The application deadline is Friday 14 July and interviews will start the week of 17 July. 

Apprentices can expect:

Ross Edgar, Trackers – The Apprentice Programme Manager says: 

‘Trackers are thrilled to be able to offer a new pathway on Island at higher and degree level. We are excited to be working alongside KPMG to provide this opportunity for local students.’

Two thirds of the tuition fees will be funded by KPMG in the Channel Islands, and one third by the States of Jersey. All travel and accommodation costs associated with residential learning will be funded by KPMG in the Channel Islands. 

The successful apprentices will be joining an industry-leading digital team at KPMG in the Channel Islands and will work on a series of commercial client projects, comprising different aspects of digital and cutting-edge technologies, including everything from robotic process automation to cyber security. Cyber security and digitalisation are strategic growth areas for KPMG globally and a key focus in the Channel Islands. 

Jason Laity, Chairman, KPMG Channel Islands, says:

‘There is a huge demand for digital skills globally and that demand will increase as digital becomes ever more disruptive. School leavers looking for a degree in this field are, and will continue to be, in high demand. Jersey needs to grow and retain its local talent if it is to remain competitive in the digital era. As a local firm, KPMG in the Channel Islands is ideally placed to pioneer this initiative, to support our ambitious and future-focused young achievers, and to offer them secure and exciting career opportunities locally.’

Education Minister Deputy Rod Bryans added: ‘This is another excellent innovation by the Trackers team, working with local businesses, to provide new opportunities for training our young people. It goes some way to addressing the growing demand for locally based digital workforce. I am particularly pleased that a digital apprenticeship has become a reality and thank KPMG for their important contribution to the project.’