The first cohort of students from Deloitte and Ulster University’s BrightStart higher level apprenticeship programme graduated this week.
Through the programme, participants gain a BSc Hons degree in Business Technology through Ulster University Business School , recognised professional qualifications and a job at Deloitte, working for the company’s clients across the UK.
Of the 17 people that joined the first BrightStart programme in 2015, 10 will graduate with First Class Honours and seven with a 2:1 in their degrees.
250 people are currently on the apprenticeship programme in Belfast. Initially aimed at school leavers, applicants to the programme have included people from a diverse range of backgrounds and ages, including some who have previously tried university or worked in other jobs. Deloitte said that those graduating now are in positions which normally take traditional graduates two years to reach at the firm.
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Jackie Henry, senior partner at Deloitte in Belfast said: “Our 2019 Human Capital Trends report shows one of the most important factors to an employee is making their work meaningful and giving people a sense of belonging, trust and relationships. Our BrightStart programme is providing these meaningful experiences, with our BrightStarts developing the skills needed for the future workplace and applying this learning in real time with real clients. We’re proud to offer an alternative route for talented individuals looking for a career with Deloitte and giving them the chance to advance their careers and specialise in a range of disciplines.”
Professor Gillian Armstrong, Director of Business Engagement at Ulster University Business School added: “It is incredibly rewarding to see the first participants in the BrightStart programme graduate with such exceptional degree results after four and half years of hard work.The programme was Northern Ireland’s first degree-level apprenticeship and the university’s strategic partnership with Deloitte has led the way in showing what is possible when academia and industry work together.
Deloitte announced at the start of 2019 that it will move into a new headquarters at Bedford Square in Belfast in 2021 which will house all of the firm’s staff in Northern Ireland. Jackie Henry said higher level apprenticeships will play an essential part in the firm reaching its growth targets; “The significant investment we are making reflects our confidence in Belfast and its high-quality talent base and we believe that the people who come into the company through BrightStart as well as our graduate schemes and academies, will be crucial to shaping our future workforce.”
Applications for this year’s programme are open until 20 December and details can be found here.
(front row L-R)Gillian Armstrong, Jackie Henry, Aisling Carson. (back row L-R) Victoria Whiteside, Conor Devine and Judith Wylie.
