Centre for Computing Science Education

There are already many enterprises and businesses leveraging considerable research knowledge across multiple universities to remain innovative and competitive. In partnering with research-led universities to deliver work-based learning programmes, many more businesses have the potential to capitalise on emerging research to innovate. 

Research-led institutions typically attract highly motivated and capable students. It can be difficult for some employers to attract individuals to their organisation in the current highly competitive graduate market. In partnering with research-led universities to deliver work-based learning, employers of all shapes and sizes can embrace students into their cultures and teams. 

Employers partnering with research-led universities to deliver work-based learning programmes potentially have access to a wide-range of research specialists. Consequently, employers can work with researchers to devise proposals to address future business needs. The benefit to the university is greater impact of research findings, for the employer it is access to research funding to address business concerns through innovation. 

Research-led institutions generate a culture of learning with specialist researchers in more areas than any one employer could hope to replicate. Such researchers often have extensive international networks of researchers exploring topics through-out the world. A partnership to deliver work-based learning brings employers closer to this network of specialists and has the potential drive new collaborations. 

The School of Computing at the University of Glasgow has a strong track record in transfering knowledge into industry and wider society. The aspiration is that by partnering with employers, of all sizes, our research can make an even bigger impact. Furthermore, in gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges of industry we can form new ideas and generate research bids.

Many organisations may have some trepidations about delivering aspects of work-based learning, such as mentoring and support. Consequently, the Centre of Computing Science Education is seeking to work with employers and other academics to devise materials and training to support mentors in the workplace

Many organisations already have structures in place to support students on work-based learning programmes. However, many other organisations will not have such structures or support. The Centre for Computing Science Education wants to work with companies to introduce such structures and supports into their organisation to ensure a strong, stable environment for students.

Widening access to the profession of software engineering is crucial to strengthening the overall industry. The expectation is to deliver engagement programmes over the summer in various local high schools to give school students a taste of the profession of Software Engineering.