The University of Plymouth is joining forces with Yeovil College to offer students a greater opportunity to boost their skills levels in Somerset.
The two institutions are planning to launch a series of courses specifically designed to help employers attract and retain those with higher skills in computing and engineering.
The partnership will build on the University’s existing offering in Somerset and enhance its range of degree apprenticeships, which give students the opportunity to earn while they learn.
It will also enable the College to expand the higher education level courses it provides, benefitting local students and the wider community.
Beginning in September 2018, it is planned that students in Yeovil will be able to undertake a two-year FdSc Computing with the potential for Level 6 progression, or a BSc Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship.
The two institutions will also work together and with industry to approve a BEng Aeronautical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship in 2019, recognising Yeovil’s status as a hub of expertise in the aeronautical and avionics industry. From 2019, a new Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Certificate in Education (Cert Ed) teaching qualification for the Further Education and Skills sector will be offered in Yeovil.
All those graduating from the programmes will be awarded a University of Plymouth qualification.
The University and four of its partner colleges signed up to the Government’s Degree Apprenticeship programme in March 2016, with the aim of enhancing skill levels in management and IT.
Professor Paul Brunt, Director of Academic Partnerships at the University of Plymouth, said:
“This is an exciting new partnership, and we are looking forward to further increasing the opportunities available to students across the South West of England. Degree apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular route to a degree level qualification. These programmes will help address specific challenges being faced in the Yeovil area, and play a large role in helping companies attract and retain highly skilled staff.”
The Yeovil College University Centre has extensive experience of delivering apprenticeship programmes – with around 40 per cent of its learners being apprentices – and enjoys strong, professional connections with employers in and around the region.
John Evans, Principal of Yeovil College, said:
“Yeovil College University Centre is delighted at this new collaborative partnership with the University of Plymouth. Our teams are working together to develop a range of exciting higher education programmes, the first of which will be offered from September 2018 (subject to validation). We are excited by this new opportunity and what it can bring to the South West and we look forward to working with colleagues at the University of Plymouth in the coming months and years.”
