Fujitsu Endorses OCR Qualification, Boosting Digital Skills in the UK

Fujitsu today announced its endorsement of the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in IT, an equivalent to an A-Level. As part of this partnership a project, which students will complete as part of the course, has been designed to prepare the next generation of school leavers to become the digital workforce of tomorrow.

This vocation-based qualification teaches 16-18 year olds how to apply their knowledge of ICT, technology and mathematics through a project based syllabus. The creation of a bespoke project for the programme realises Fujitsu’s commitment to enhancing STEM learning as has been demonstrated at the Fujitsu booth (stand C388) at BETT 2017. Designed by students on a placement year with Fujitsu, alongside members of Fujitsu’s Distinguished Engineers community, this specially developed project has been based on their own real-world experiences. It aims to inspire fellow students to formulate their own career paths in new industries; from fintech and big data, through to cyber security.

Recent research by Fujitsu found that 52% of C-suite executives believe their organisation will not exist in its current form by 2021. As such this two year-long syllabus created by OCR – which carries UCAS points – promotes thinking and problem solving within the context of a new era of digital industries, services and further education.

Ash Merchant, Director of Education at Fujitsu, said: “Providing a digital education is essential to empowering the next generation of school leavers to compete in industries that are becoming increasingly valuable to the UK economy. We’re thrilled to have been able to work with the team at OCR who are equally passionate about making digital skills ubiquitous for the next generation. We’re witnessing the digital transformation of industries from transport, to finance to retail; as such technology must be at the heart of learning in our schools.”

Mara Bogdanovic, Head of Business Engagement at OCR, said: “OCR is delighted that the partnership with Fujitsu means that the students taking Cambridge Technicals in IT will now be able to incorporate a specially developed Fujitsu project relevant to the real world of work as part of their course. Having a project developed in partnership with the insight of a respected employer and business will support teaching, and help to inspire and challenge Cambridge Technical students.”

The collaboration of examining body OCR and Fujitsu highlights the importance of education establishments and technology companies working together to inspire young people to learn new digital skills. Fujitsu will be celebrating those who are making strides in this area with the introduction of a new education award as part of its sponsorship of AbilityNet’s Tech4Good Awards. This award will celebrate education establishments who are using technology for good.