Developing learning and skills through digital apprenticeships

Olamalu case study

Summary:

  • Partner: Olamalu
  • Sector: Private, technology company
  • Challenges: Attracting and retaining tech talent for the business, ensuring digital skills of people reflect the fast-changing industry
  • Solution: Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeships through The Open University (OU)
  • Outcome: Higher retention of skilled people within the business, prominent industry awards won for the business in relation to their apprenticeship

Background: A culture of learning fuels desire to develop talent

Oxfordshire-based tech company Olamalu always valued the importance of learning and new skills, since its formation in 2009.

The founders - Kate Berman and husband - had experienced being given opportunities for learning in their early careers, so knew when they started their own business that they wanted to instill this within the culture.

Facing challenges, including needing to attract and retain digital talent, meant that they needed high quality learning that was flexible for their people. And this is why the OU Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship appealed to them.

When we found this apprenticeship, we thought it was the perfect opportunity. We can develop our own talent path, taking people through this programme. At the end of it, they come out as really well qualified software engineers, not only with a formal qualification, but with four years’ experience of building real things for real customers.

Kate Berman,
Owner, Olamalu

Apprenticeships as a credible alternative to traditional university

Niall Middleton had his mind set on becoming a software developer, however had decided to not attend a traditional university, in part due to the high cost.

After joining Olamalu he had the opportunity to take the Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree with the OU, which he knew would give him both the qualification and experience he wanted.

The programme gave him the perfect blend of technical and interpersonal skills, including time management.

My skills grew and grew as I went through the apprenticeship and now I’m at a place where I’m proud to say that I’ve completed the apprenticeship and I have the skills to do my role to a really high level.

Niall Middleton,
Digital and Technology Solutions apprenticeship graduate, Olamalu

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Learning that opens many doors

Since graduating, Niall has not only progressed within his role as a web developer, he’s also been appointed to manage all of the other apprentices within the business.

This has in turn given him additional experience and opportunities, including learning about other aspects of the business, such as planning and implementation.

As they go through the apprenticeship, you get to figure out what excites them and what they’re most interested in and it enables us to stretch people in different directions. We can create roles around people’s strengths – what does the business need and how does that overlap with what this person is interested in?

Kate Berman,
Owner, Olamalu

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Conclusion: Apprenticeships offer a wealth of opportunities for all

Around half of the team at Olamalu have been an apprentice or are in the process of working on one.

The apprenticeship programme from The Open University offers flexibility and exceptional learning for the individuals and provides young people or those lacking in skills with the chance to develop their careers, in exchange for being willing to commit.

For more information, read the full in-depth case study here

An aptitude for learning is more important than anything else - if somebody is keen to learn, they will learn really fast.

Kate Berman
Owner, Olamalu

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