New government and industry-backed digital qualifications will provide the skills for a wide range of jobs in the digital sector, which is expected to have one million vacancies in the next decade. 

The so-called Degree Apprenticeships, announced by digital economy minister Ed Vaizey, will allow young people to complete a full honours degree alongside their employment without having to pay tuition fees. 

Combining academic learning and on-the-job training, the qualifications are targeted at people embarking on careers ranging from business analysis to software development and technology consultancy.  

In addition, Vaizey announced short industry-designed courses to enhance digital skills across the workforce. These industry-accredited courses combine intensive training, with content that keeps pace with employers’ immediate needs and changing technologies. The new industry-accredited standard will give small businesses up and down the country the confidence to know that they can hire digital professionals with the skills they need. 

The short courses are backed by a number of organisations including Accenture, ARM, BT, Cisco, Fujitsu, Google, IBM, Oracle, Quicksilva, Tata Consultancy Services, Teléfonica (O2), BBC, Direct Line Group, HM Revenue & Customs, Jaguar Land Rover, Lowe and Partners, National Grid, Network Rail, Save the Children, Equanimity UK and Royal Mail.

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