edX, EdAid, and NWEAT, via training funded by
U.K. apprenticeship levy, align to upskill workers in high-demand
technology fields including software development, AI, data
analytics and cybersecurity
LANHAM,
Md. and LONDON,
June 7,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- edX, a leading global
online learning platform from 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU), today
announced an initiative with EdAid, the U.K.-based educational
organization recently-appointed as a Flexi-Job Apprenticeship
Agency, and Northwest Education and Training LTD (NWEAT), EdAid's
newly-acquired apprenticeship training provider, to offer digital
apprenticeships in high-demand tech fields. The program, which
draws from the Department of Education's (DfE) apprenticeship levy,
combines NWEAT's training expertise with edX's online learning
platform to help adults across the U.K. gain the skills and
experience needed to pursue a career in tech.
The program, delivered by NWEAT, via the edX platform, launches
with an initial cohort of digital apprenticeships in software
development beginning in August 2023.
Additional apprenticeships in other key tech fields such as
artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and data analytics are
in development for future starts. The 12 to 18-month-long
apprenticeships will be funded by the DfE's apprenticeship levy and
will be made available at no cost to learners in partnership with
companies across the U.K. Learners will dedicate 20% of their
normal working hours to studying for the apprenticeship, with
access to immersive training and ongoing assessment delivered by
NWEAT alongside on-the-job training.
"We're thrilled to be working alongside edX and NWEAT supporting
a new series of digital apprenticeships that will unlock flexible,
alternative apprenticeship pathways into the jobs of the future,"
said Tom Woolf, Founder and CEO of
EdAid. "By providing learners with access to high-quality,
industry-relevant education, we're confident that it will help to
create a more inclusive and diverse workforce that will deliver
exceptional economic value to employers and the wider economy."
These new offerings will help meet a critical demand for
tech-focused apprenticeships in the U.K. at a time when the country
faces a significant shortage of digital and technical skilled
workers, with an estimated 600,000 vacancies per year. Via
the new apprenticeships, U.K. employers can draw from existing levy
funds to create greater opportunities for business leaders to
foster tech talent internally, reducing costly employee turnover
and creating new opportunities to train and reduce their current
workforce.
"At NWEAT, we are committed to providing learners with the
skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital economy,"
said Angela Owens, Managing Director
of NWEAT. "Our exceptional track record as a training provider,
combined with the technical expertise of edX and EdAid, will help
to create a new generation of highly skilled and talented
professionals who can make a real difference in the technology
industry."
This new collaboration further underscores edX's commitment to
closing the skills gap in the U.K., where edX already has a
separate initiative with the DfE, which includes the Department's
pledging up to £4.8M to fund 1,200 seats for a fully-online Skills
Bootcamp in front-end web development. The boot camp is part of the
DfE's Skills for Life initiative, focused on investing in lifelong
learning and skills training.
"edX is one of the world's largest developers of tech talent,
and by coming together with NWEAT and EdAid, even more learners
will get access to the dynamic, immersive tech skills training
needed to succeed in the digital economy," said Anant Agarwal, edX Founder and Chief Platform
Officer at 2U. "This new initiative aims to create a new
generation of professionals who are equipped to tackle the
challenges of the 21st century and make a real impact on businesses
across the U.K."
All programme content and material will be developed, designed
and delivered by NWEAT, on edX. For more information on the digital
apprenticeships, including Education and Skills Funding Agency
eligibility criteria and to apply for the program, visit
edaid.com/NWEAT.
About EdAid
EdAid is on a mission to make access to
quality education affordable. Through our global platform we are
pioneering deferred payment plans. Founded in the U.K., EdAid is
authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
with operations in the U.S., Canada, Australia, U.A.E. and U.K. Our team believes
that access to education must be universal and its financing fairer
and affordable. We work with world-class education institutions to
support social mobility through interest-free, flexible payment
options, administered by caring and professional student support
teams.
About Northwest Education & Training
(NWEAT)
Northwest Education and Training, or NWEAT, was
established in 2013. NWEAT prides itself on delivering training
through an experienced and passionate team of individual assessors
who's overriding aim is– Success for all. NWEAT strives to provide
the highest quality of training to learners to meet the needs of
employers, resulting in suitable employment for the learner and
trained employees for the employer, all achieved through efficient
and commercially beneficial service. Learn more here.
About edX
edX is the global online learning platform
that exists to help learners everywhere unlock their potential. edX
was founded by Harvard and MIT in 2012 to make the world's best education
available to everyone. Today, as a 2U, Inc. company (Nasdaq: TWOU),
edX connects 76 million people worldwide with the skills,
knowledge, and support to achieve their goals. Together with the
world's leading universities and companies, edX offers thousands of
free and open courses, professional certificates, boot camps,
credit-bearing micro credentials, and undergraduate and graduate
degrees. Discover purpose-built online programs in technology,
business, healthcare, science, education, social work,
sustainability, and more at edX.org.
Media Contact:
edX: media@2u.com
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SOURCE 2U, Inc.