As we push through yet another dreary February week, consider this a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. Below is a snapshot of apprenticeships, courses, and free learning options worth having a look at this month.

As always, if you’d like to talk through the current apprenticeships and courses available in your area, reply here to book in a quick call and we can talk through options together.

In this issue:

You’ll work with an engineering team to design, code and test software through the development lifecycle. Alongside that, you’ll study for a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions degree with Nottingham Trent University, combining hands-on experience, projects and theory.

The role offers hybrid working, so you won’t have to commute every day. Bupa healthcare is included, and having a recognised name on your CV doesn’t hurt either.

You’ll work within one of CGI’s ‘technology teams’, supporting the delivery of software and digital systems (similar to the Experian role above). Alongside that, you’ll study for a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions.

As well as offering a signing-on bonus, CGI is interesting because the work itself is a bit different. They’re involved in space, defence and intelligence projects, so this isn’t your standard commercial tech role. It’s more niche, a bit unusual, and if that side of tech appeals to you, it’s actually quite a unique opportunity.

While working towards a Level 4 qualification in cyber security, you’ll also be part of real security teams within Defence. That means getting stuck into how people, systems and information are actually protected day to day, across cyber, physical and personnel security. It’s hands-on, operational, and very different from a standard classroom-based course

Working for the MOD won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s a fairly unique opportunity to get experience inside defence. The role offers real-world exposure to security work that can open doors within defence or translate well into related roles elsewhere. Pay is competitive for this level as well.

Alongside a Level 4 Digital Product Manager apprenticeship, you’ll work inside the digital product team, getting hands-on with how customer-facing products are built. You’ll spend time with engineers and designers, help plan features, and look at how products perform once they’re live.

It goes without saying that working in the banking sector can lead to good salary outcomes once an apprenticeship is finished. Lloyds has just released a range of apprenticeship roles across the UK, so it’s worth clicking the title link and having a look at what else is live right now.

You’ll support cloud and AI systems with hands-on technical work, helping diagnose, monitor and maintain services. The role gives you real experience with AI, AWS and cloud-based systems while earning a wage.

QA have just released a large batch of new apprenticeships across the UK, which makes this a good time to apply while roles are still fresh and intakes are open. Click on the title link to visit their website for more openings.

Working with data to support reporting, analysis and decision-making across the business, while learning core data and digital skills on the job.

This is a chance to work for a household-name employer (great on your CV) with competitive pay for a Level 3 role. The assessment process is also shorter and more straightforward than many similar data apprenticeships.

It’s fair to say that HNDs don’t always get the same respect as a traditional undergraduate degree, but is that justified? An HND is far more hands-on and practical, which in my view really matters in tech. It also means you can apply for junior roles at the end of the two years (I’ve seen plenty of students do this), or add one extra year to get a full undergraduate degree anyway. They’re not for everyone, but definitely worth considering if you’re starting from scratch.

£9,275 per year. Fees can be covered by Student Finance and are repaid after you finish the course and start working.

Earlier this month, the UK government launched an expanded AI Skills Hub, a free online platform offering introductory AI courses aimed at helping adults build basic AI skills.

Here are some initial thoughts:

Link: https://aiskillshub.org.uk

It’s fair to say the world feels a bit all over the place at the moment. Politics is stressful, economies are wobbling, and hiring generally feels slower and more cautious than it used to.

The latest data is a bit of a relief though, especially if you’re looking at tech and fintech. A recent report from Morgan McKinley shows fintech hiring holding up well, with banking in particular still recruiting for well-paid roles in areas like data, cyber security and tech delivery. It’s not a gold rush, but it is a reminder that fintech remains one of the healthier corners of the jobs market, and if you’ve been thinking about a move, this isn’t a terrible moment to do it.

Read the full breakdown here: https://cfotech.co.uk/story/uk-finance-jobs-surge-led-by-tech-fintech-roles