Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship
As a Workplace Mentor for the Digital and Technology Solutions Professional degree apprenticeship you play a crucial role in developing the next generation of digital professionals. This programme is designed to equip Apprentices with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to excel in digital roles to implement technologies for change. This programme is designed for aspiring technology solutions professionals looking to develop and improve products, services, and productivity through the implementation of technology solutions.
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Programme Overview
The Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship is a Level 6 programme that combines academic learning with practical workplace experience. Here’s what you need to know:
- Duration: Three years including end-point assessment (EPA)
- Qualification: BSc(Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions Professional
- Accreditations: We already have accreditation from the BCS – Chartered Institute for IT for established Computer Science programmes, including the original version of this programme. We intend to seek accreditation from the BCS for this revised programme, but it is not guaranteed.
Skills England's apprenticeship standard which sets out the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours for this programme can be found here.
Key Components
Academic learning: All apprentices will study the same core modules in their first two years on the programme. Core modules include: Programming; Social and Professional Issues of the Information Age; Discreet Mathematics for Compute Science; Computers and the Internet; Computational Mathematics; Database Theory and Design; Network and Computer Security; Software Development; Web Development; Team Project; Artificial Intelligence and Applications and Reflective Practice 1 and 2.
In the third year the apprentice will begin work on their chosen specialism. The five specialist pathways are:
- Software Engineering
- Data Analysis
- Business Analysis
- IT Consultancy
- Cyber Security
Alex Richardson-Hall
Email: A.D.Richardson-Hall@exeter.ac.uk
I am a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science specialising in Cyber Security, and I am Programme Director for the Digital Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship Level 6 programme at the University of Exeter.
In my previous roles, I worked in industry as a Security Analyst and Penetration Tester, as well as a Business Intelligence developer.
I have presented at conferences including the Institute of Internal Auditors' annual regional and national financial conferences on Cyber Security topics.
Vlad Ryabov - V.Ryabov@exeter.ac.uk
Our Academic Mentors are dedicated to supporting Apprentices in navigating the apprenticeship components of the DTS degree apprenticeship programme. They play a crucial role in guiding Apprentices through the process of compiling their portfolio of evidence, which showcases their learning and development throughout the programme.
Academic Mentors work closely with Apprentices to ensure that they understand the requirements for their portfolios, helping them to document their experiences, reflect on their learning, and demonstrate the competencies gained in the workplace. By providing ongoing support and feedback, our Academic Mentors empower Apprentices to effectively articulate their achievements and prepare for their end-point assessment (EPA). Their focus on practical application and real-world experiences is essential in helping Apprentices succeed in their management roles.
Academic Mentors
Your Commitment Matters
Each member of our team is dedicated to ensuring that Mentors have the resources and support they need to guide Apprentices effectively. We believe that a strong Mentor-Apprentice relationship is key to the success of the DTS degree apprenticeship programme, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
Feel free to contact us with questions, concerns, or for additional support. Together, we can make a significant impact on the professional growth of our apprentices.
Key Information and Events
Staying informed about important dates and events is crucial for effectively supporting your Apprentice throughout their DTS degree apprenticeship journey. Below are the key milestones and events for the current academic year. Please note that specific dates may vary slightly for individual apprentices based on their start date.
Initial Contact and Meeting
Shortly after the Apprentice's induction, the Academic Mentor will contact you as the Workplace Mentor to arrange an initial meeting with you. While this meeting is not compulsory, it is highly recommended as it provides an excellent opportunity to establish a strong foundation for the apprenticeship journey.
This initial meeting allows all parties to:
- Introduce themselves and clarify their roles
- Discuss expectations for the apprenticeship
- Address any initial questions or concerns
- Begin building a collaborative relationship
As a Workplace Mentor, your role in supporting your Apprentice's development is crucial. There may be times when concerns arise about an Apprentice's performance or progress. It's important to address these issues promptly and effectively to ensure the best possible outcome for the Apprentice and the apprenticeship programme.
Recognising Performance Challenges
When an Apprentice is struggling, the Academic Mentor will typically notify you via email as part of the escalation process. This communication will outline the specific concerns regarding the Apprentice's performance, such as:
- Consistently missing deadlines
- Poor quality of work
- Lack of engagement in learning activities
- Failure to meet off-the-job (OTJ) training requirements
- Difficulties in applying learning to workplace tasks
Your Role in Addressing Concerns
Upon receiving notification from the Academic Mentor regarding performance challenges, your first step should be to meet with the Apprentice to discuss the issues raised. Here’s how to approach this:
- Arrange a meeting: schedule a private meeting with your Apprentice to discuss the concerns outlined in the Academic Mentor's email
- Ascertain the problem: use this opportunity to understand the extent of the problem; encourage your Apprentice to share their perspective and any challenges they may be facing
- Explore solutions: collaborate with your Apprentice to identify potential solutions or strategies to address the identified challenges
- Create an action plan: work together to develop a clear, achievable action plan that includes specific goals and timelines for improvement
- Follow up: schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress and provide ongoing support as needed
- Document the process: keep records of your meetings, the agreed-upon actions, and the Apprentice's progress
Seeking Additional Support
If you need clarification or further assistance:
- Consult with the Academic Mentor: if you have questions about the situation or need more information about the apprenticeship requirements, reach out to the Academic Mentor for guidance
- Escalation process: if the performance issues persist despite your interventions, or if you encounter a problem that you feel unable to resolve, inform the Academic Mentor
Preventive Measures
To help prevent performance issues:
- Maintain regular check-ins with your Apprentice, such as weekly or bi-weekly meetings
- Provide timely feedback on their work and progress
- Ensure they have adequate time and resources for their OTJ training
- Encourage open communication about any challenges they're facing
Remember, your primary role in addressing concerns is to support your Apprentice's success in the programme. By taking a proactive, supportive approach and addressing issues early, you can help your Apprentice overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
Past Training Events
The next Workplace Mentor training session is to be confirmed. If you would like to view a video recording of the previous session, please contact DAadminteam@exeter.ac.uk
Contact us
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us at DAadminteam@exeter.ac.uk . I look forward to hearing from you!
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Louise Clarbull
Email: L.Clarbull@exeter.ac.uk
Louise joined the team as an Academic Mentor on the BSc Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship programme in January 2024.
Gaining a BA(Hons) degree in Religious Studies with Geography, Louise began working in the Civil Service. After taking some time to work and travel abroad she started a new role working for a newspaper and magazine publisher in the production department of a large firm, and then a smaller locally based publishing company. Whilst working there Louise also completed an FD in Graphic Design which also developed an interest in digital art and the use of IT.
It was shortly after this that Louise felt the time was right to retrain as a teacher, qualifying with QTS in 2011 and successfully completing her NQT in secondary school education before moving to work at Exeter College. At Exeter College Louise was an IT Lecturer and Personal tutor, where she has enjoyed supporting her tutees and helping them be successful on their chosen pathway.
Shane Herath
Email: S.Herath@exeter.ac.uk
Shane is a University Mentor on the BSc Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeships programme and joined the team in November 2023.
With over 20 years of experience in top-tier organisations across the UK, USA, and Asia, along with his involvement in tech startups, Shane brings a wealth of knowledge to the field of sustainable innovation in technology. He graduated from the University of Hertfordshire with a degree in Computer Science in 2003, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Law (LLB equivalent) from BPP University in 2010. He also holds a Master’s Certificate in IT Project & Program Management from George Washington University, USA.
Shane also chairs the Eco-Friendly Web Alliance, steering efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the digital world and contribute to the fight against climate change, advocating for sustainable practices in web development.
He shares his industry experience as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Exeter Business School, contributing to Digital Business & New Technology and Strategy & Innovation modules. He also serves as an Expert Panel Member for Computer Weekly's IT Sustainability Think Tank, influencing discussions on green IT goals and the circular economy.
Outside the academic sphere, Shane acts as an Advisor to Intaconnected, a sustainability consultancy, and also Sustainable Network in London, a global impact network aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. His influence extends to his role as an Advocate within Tech London Advocates, supporting the tech ecosystem in London as a global hub.
Yoshi Pakalkaite
Email: J.Pakalkaite@exeter.ac.uk
Yoshi is an Associate Lecturer (Academic Mentor) on the BSc Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship programme and joined the team in August 2023.
Ian Parkhouse
Email: I.Parkhouse@exeter.ac.uk
Ian is a University Mentor on the BSc Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship programme and joined the team in June 2023.
He achieved an Honors Degree from Bournemouth university in 2008 in International Leisure Marketing and has spent the past 18 years working with in both education and in industry. After completing his degree Ian has worked for companies in the UK, Australia and New Zealand specialising in marketing.
He went on to complete a PGCE in 2013 through Plymouth university whilst working for Exeter College where he worked as an IT and Business Lecturer, Personal Tutor, a Program Leader and an Advanced Teaching Practitioner for 11 years.
Ian’s latest role was to train, support and mentor new and trainee teachers where he has enjoyed supporting and transferring his skills onto future teachers.
Julian Vizor
Email: J.J.Vizor@exeter.ac.uk
Julian is a University Mentor on the BSc Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship programme and joined the team in November 2019. Julian's previous career was in software development management at IBM and other USA based software companies. During this time, Julian delivered numerous commercially successful software product developments, in domains such as data integration, data transformation and AI.
Julian has in-depth experience of evolving software through the product maturity life-cycle and contributing to enterprise level software product transition from on-premises to Cloud. With a focus on quality and efficiency, Julian has led definition and adoption of software development processes, including Agile practices, at both local team and enterprise levels.
As a people manager, Julian has had responsibility for leading and nurturing teams of up to 25 engineers, including management of resources in remote locations (UK, USA and India). He has broad experience of mentoring team members with varying levels of experience/expertise, including interns, graduates, mid-career engineers and first-line managers. This is an area in which Julian has latterly chosen to focus his energy, by joining the DTS programme to help support and guide apprentices as they embark on their own career journey.
Alexandra Snell
Email: digitalapprenticeships@exeter.ac.uk
Alexandra is an Employer Partnership Officer responsible for supporting organisations with onboarding prospective Apprentices from the initial marketing stage through to contracting and providing progress reports. He works closely with the academic and administrative support team to provide employer partners with a smooth apprenticeship experience.
Briony Allen
Email: digitalapprenticeships@exeter.ac.uk
Briony is an Employer Partnership Manager responsible for supporting organisations with onboarding prospective Apprentices from the initial marketing stage through to contracting and providing progress reports. He works closely with the academic and administrative support team to provide employer partners with a smooth apprenticeship experience.
