Elly Yates-Roberts |
UK universities Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David have partnered with Microsoft to deliver courses that have been designed to equip students with the digital skills that employers are looking for.
Students enrolled at these universities will be able to take part in courses focused on cloud computing, artificial intelligence and data science. They will also have access to LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft’s AI Business School, GitHub and other digital tools.
“Being able to work with a company like Microsoft and bring their technology and solutions into our classrooms is very exciting for us,” said Derek Foster, associate professor in computer science at the University of Lincoln. “We will be able to upskill our students using the latest digital services, embedding those into our curriculum to create a cutting-edge blend of industry and education.
“Adding Microsoft to our growing list of industry partners creates huge benefits for our students, who will gain skills that are desperately needed by businesses in the local area.”
With more than 149 million new technology jobs expected to be created in the next five years, and research from the UK government showing that “digital skills are near-universal requirements” and “are required in at least 82 per cent of online advertised openings across the UK”, the new partnerships aim to prepare their students for future digital opportunities.
“In every industry and in markets around the world, we are seeing increased demand for skills talent and hiring across our partners, our suppliers and customers,” said Anthony Salcito, vice president of education at Microsoft. “From experience, we know that working in tandem with leading educational institutions and educational systems of the world to provide access to skills resources, relevant industry-based learning content and assessment solutions is a winning formula for students, the workforce and [will] drive the digital economy across the UK.”