A pioneering bootcamp is set to ensure graduates hit the ground running when they move from university life into the workplace.

Operated in conjunction with the Institute of Coding (IOC), the University of Sunderland is preparing to pilot a scheme that aims to bridge the gap between study and employment for Computer Science graduates.

From next month, up to 10 graduates will take part in the project which aims to provide industry-led ‘top-up’ skills linked to opportunities with North East companies.

If successful, the scheme – dubbed a Digital Bootcamp – could be spread out across the country in a bid to fast-track graduates into positions with SMEs and global giant tech firms.

Ten companies based in the North East have already signed up to the scheme in a bid to support the graduates through the bootcamp.

The IOC was created to bring together businesses and educators in helping develop the level 6 and 7 digital and employability skills of graduates and the digital workforce.

Steve Blanks, who represents the IOC at the University of Sunderland, is overseeing the bootcamp.

He said: “Essentially, we are going to take some of our Computer Science graduates and put them through a number of bootcamps, focusing on their soft and technical skills, their presentation techniques, making sure they are interview-ready and giving them the mentoring and support they need to get the job they want.”

The bootcamp is being supported by Digital Union, the largest network of digital, creative and technology businesses in the North East.
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