Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Degree Apprenticeship
As a Workplace Mentor for the Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist 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. Employers of students participating in the course will gain valuable skillsets within their organisation to drive digital and data leadership and innovation.
On this page:
Programme Overview
The Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist is a Level 7 programme that combines academic learning with practical workplace experience. Here's what you need to know:
- Duration: 18 months including end-point assessment (EPA)
- Qualification: MSc Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education's (IfATE) apprenticeship standard which sets out the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours for this programme can be found here.
Key Components
Academic learning: The course will cover the core areas of digital leadership and technology management as well as underpinning technical knowledge and skills in Data Analytics.
- Management and Leadership in Technology
- Business and Change Management
- Data Engineering
- Data Analysis and Visualisation
- Data and Business in Society
- Machine Learning
Dr Vladimir Ryabov
Email: V.Ryabov@exeter.ac.uk
I am a Senior Lecturer (E&S) in Computer Science and I am also the Programme Director of Level 7 Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Degree Apprenticeship Programme.
I have received my PhD (2002) in Artificial Intelligence and MSc (1998) in Management Information Systems from the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland. I have extensive experience teaching various Computer Science subjects at university. Furthermore, I have practical experience designing and delivering distance education university programmes.
I also worked as an IT consultant with a leading role in regional research and development projects for business clients. My consulting activities focussed on Business Analysis, Digital Transformation of Enterprises, IT Strategy and IT Management.
Dr Vladimir Ryabov - V.Ryabov@exeter.ac.uk - Read more about Vladimir Here
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
Darren Green - darren.green@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Darren Here
Sophie Cowie - s.m.cowie@exeter.ac.uk
Olga Ager - O.Ager2@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Olga Here
Lindsay Thomson - l.thomson@exeter.ac.uk
Dr Siobhan Harper - digital.apprenticeships.support@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Siobhan Here
Alexandra Snell - Employer Partnership Officer - digitalapprenticeships@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Alexandra Here
Briony Allen - Employer Partnership Manager - digitalapprenticeships@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Briony Here
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 DTSS 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 DTSS 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.
- Workplace Mentor training session to be confirmed
Contact us
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us. I look forward to hearing from you!
Dr Vladimir Ryabov
Programme Director
Email: V.Ryabov@exeter.ac.uk
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Darren Green
Email: darren.green@exeter.ac.uk
Darren joined the University of Exeter in 2013, playing a key role in developing and supporting extra curricular learning activites for the Law School. Following this, Darren joined the Learning Experience and Innovation team (formerly known as Teaching Quality & Assurance) working with both Student Representatives and Directors of Education in Depts to develop the student voice and improve the student experience.
Prior to this, Darren was coordinator for a professional skills employability programme at the University of Sheffield, a role which included coaching students and monitoring their professional progress on work placements. This followed over 10 years working in secondary school education, for a pupil referral service, working with KS3/4 pupils and offering specialist advice and recommendations directly to managers of Sheffield's secondary schools on alternative educational provision.
Darren holds a Classical History degree from the University of Wales and later attended Plymouth University for postgraduate studies in Law.
Olga Ager
Email: O.Ager2@exeter.ac.uk
Dr Olga Ager is an Academic Mentor for Digital and Technology Specialist Level 7 Apprenticeship programme. Dr. Olga Ager holds a PhD in Business Management from Brunel University, where her research focused on economies in transition in the early 2000s. She also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, alongside an MA in Linguistics. Olga has built a diverse professional portfolio, including her work in academia, where she taught marketing and management to undergraduate students, and her work in a range of analytical, managerial, and consulting roles.
Louise Clarbull
Email: L.Clarbull@exeter.ac.uk
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.
