Background
The UK Information Technology industry is expected to need another 163,000 skilled employees by 2016, representing a 15% increase on the current workforce. In contrast, the number of students applying to study the subject full-time in UK Universities has fallen by 50% since 2001. To help reduce this shortfall, the Creation Agency has worked with HP and TVU to develop the Computer Systems Management FdSc (with HP Certified Professional) HP element, which after its successful pilot in 2007-2008, has been launched Nationwide for the 2008-2009 academic year.
This unique Foundation Degree delivers ‘best-in-class’ content, provides access to the latest technology and solutions, and valuable hands-on lab experience to students keen on developing a career in IT.
Objectives
1. To generate awareness of the Computer Systems Management FdSc (with HP Certified Professional) Degree
2. To help increase the number of skilled employees entering the UK IT sector
Solution
The Foundation Degree brings together two arms of the Creation Agency working together alongside TVU and HP. Creation Agency provides a team of HP Trainers who developed the Degree structure and academic material to meet the Curriculum and be of relevance to the IT sector. The second division involved is Creation DM, which is the Marketing arm of the Creation Agency. The marketing collateral produced for the course included; full new brand identity (including brand guidelines), course brochure, adverts for the partners, posters, a website (www.ifoundhp.com) and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).
Results
The Degree has just launched for the Academic Year 2008-2009 so student enrolment figures are not yet confirmed but the course received positive feedback from students, employers and lecturers from its 2007 2008 pilot year.
