John Lewis launches IT degree apprenticeship

Department store John Lewis has opened applications for its new IT degree apprenticeship, which will due to begin in September 2016.

Developed in conjunction with The Tech Partnership, the four-year degree apprenticeship will offer eight students who have completed A Levels the opportunity to gain “on the job training” within the head office IT department at John Lewis whilst studying for a degree in Digital and Technology Solutions.

Apprentices will spend three days a week working in the IT department at the retailer's head office in Victoria, London and two days a week studying at Queen Mary University London. IT apprentices will be given the opportunity to work within several areas of the IT team to help them develop a technical specialism.

At the end of the four-year programme, candidates will obtain a full BSc (Hons) degree and progress to the next stage of their IT career within the John Lewis IT team. Candidates will be paid a salary throughout the programme, which will start at 16,000 pounds and rise each year based on performance, and the retailer will also assume all tuition fees.

Paul Coby, IT director at John Lewis, said: “It's fantastic to be able to work with The Tech Partnership to offer talented young people the opportunity to kick-start a career in IT through our new degree apprenticeship. This programme is a great alternative to university and successful applicants will receive transferable workplace skills in addition to a degree education, and I hope that we will find some future leaders in IT via this scheme.”

Karen Price, chief executive of The Tech Partnership added: “John Lewis was among the first to recognise the potential of degree apprenticeships in tech, and they have been closely involved in developing the rigorous academic and practical curriculum. The programme, which has been accredited as Tech Industry Gold for its quality and business relevance, is an exceptional opportunity for talented candidates who want to build a successful and enjoyable career in technology. I urge anyone with a passion for IT to apply.”

The programme will welcome its first intake in September 2016 and it will run alongside other John Lewis apprenticeship schemes.

Image: John Lewis