Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship - September 2023

Passionate people create exceptional things

Did you know that the solutions we develop are a necessary part of most industries? Electronics, medical research, renewable energy, food production, infrastructure and many more.

We´re everywhere! Working with us means working with the latest technologies and groundbreaking, sustainable innovations. With our inclusive and caring environment, you get the support and inspiration you need to grow.

Here, your ideas are embraced, and you never stop learning. Interested in being part of our team?

Join us on our journey for a better tomorrow.

Empowering people, supporting technological development

Do you have a passion for IT and enjoy working on customer-focused projects?

We are looking for technically minded individuals who want to kick start a career as a Business Analyst in a global IT team.

If you have good influencing abilities and enjoy real responsibility working with people at different levels, then our Digital and Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship could be right up your street!

A place where innovation thrives

Today everything is digital, from the way we work to the way we consume information. Everything is connected, highly personalised and most importantly, customer expectations are set much higher.

Edwards is the brand name our customers have come to trust and rely upon, but we are part of the much bigger Atlas Copco Group which consists of four global Business Areas including Vacuum Technique. Vacuum Technique has a central Information Systems organisation (VTIS) enabling digital and process innovation. As well as managing global infrastructure and security, we manage a large portfolio of projects to develop and roll out business systems and solutions.

One of our greatest strengths is the diversity of our workforce with people of all educational and cultural backgrounds working together. We believe that talent and diversity is the key to success and that everybody should feel valued and able to reach their full potential, both in their development and their contribution to the business.

About our Degree Apprenticeship programme

The Digital and Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship provides an exciting development opportunity to develop your skills in IT processes, business analysis and implementing solutions and change. Our programme will teach you about the wider business and enable you to develop key project management, business analysis and influencing skills in a global IT Function.

You will be based at our impressive global headquarters, a short distance from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton and Hove. You will undertake several rotational placements over 36-42 months to gain an appreciation of different business technology processes from start to finish, before moving into a permanent role within the IT function. You will also be studying towards a BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions which is delivered in partnership with an external training partner. At least 20% of your time will be spent working towards your qualification and there is an expectation that you will also dedicate some of your own time to achieve academic success.

Location

You will be based in our Vacuum Technique Business Headquarters in Burgess Hill (Sussex), a short journey from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton and Hove.

Areas of responsibility

• Involvement in Information Systems development projects, either running the project yourself or working as part of a specialist project team.
• Requirements gathering from internal customers (key users/managers) and translating this into elegant solutions which may require application changes or process changes.
• Supporting the programming team in writing technical specifications.
• Assisting with the development of training material and change management documentation including end-user training.
• Work towards becoming a Business Analyst and/or Project Manager with specific knowledge and understanding of our core business functions in a continually changing environment.
• Take ownership and responsibility for your own learning and development.
• Involvement in the Early Careers community and support promotional activities for our Early Careers programmes.

Whilst on the programme, typical projects you may be involved in could include…

• Rolling our Enerprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to our newly acquired businesses.
• Implementing Internet of Things (IoT) on our products.
• Developing data analytics/machine learning on our business data.
• Implementing a new e-commerce site.
• Selecting and implementing new Supply Chain Planning systems.

To succeed, you will need…

Education

• A Level 3 qualification in a relevant area e.g.
  • 2 A levels at Grade C or above in one or more similar subjects
  • Level 3 apprenticeship in a similar subject
  • International Baccalaureate at Level 3 in a similar subject
  • BTEC Extended Diploma in a similar subject
  • A Work experience route (2-3 years) in a similar subject-related role

Note: “Similar subject” relates to areas directly relevant to “Digital and Technology Solutions”, for example, areas such as but not limited to: Level 3 digital apprenticeships, A-Level/BTEC Computer Science, Information Technology, Networking, Software Engineering etc. Learners must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship in a similar subject.

Your skills, knowledge, and behaviours

• A good understanding of, and interest in IT and business. Knowledge of software engineering is not required.
• Organised approach with good discipline and a methodical way of working.
• Good numerical ability and ability to work with complex data.
• Highly computer literate with good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages including Excel and Word.
• Ability to work on own initiative with a proactive approach to challenges.
• Effective, accurate and professional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Effective team working skills.
• Highly motivated and able to build relationships with key stakeholders internally and externally.
• Ability to influence individuals and teams to achieve desired goals and objectives.

In return we offer you…

• A competitive salary with performance related increases, discretionary annual bonus, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, hybrid working, health cash plan, competitive pension, ride-to-work scheme, electric car scheme, Employee Assistance Programme.
• A robust career development plan, including online learning modules and technical training.
• Early Careers Community forum and a global network.
• Mentoring programme.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives, including LGBTQ+ employee network.
• Continuous support and coaching.

Diverse by nature and inclusive by choice

Bright ideas come from all of us. The more unique perspectives we embrace, the more innovative we are. Together we build a culture where difference is valued and we share a deep sense of purpose and belonging.