BT has created a new foundation degree for its employees, in partnership with the University of Sunderland.
BT Global Services UK and the University of Sunderland have developed a foundation degree in sales account and relationship management in order to offer BT employees business-focused, work-based higher education. The two-year programme will cover areas such as: customer account management; financial planning; and management skills, and is designed around BT’s objectives.
Initially, the course is open to employees in BT Global Services UK, its division that delivers networked IT services to corporate and public sector clients in the UK and internationally, but it may later be extended to other parts of the organisation and other external organisations within the supply chain. The application process for the degree has been primarily targeted at employees that have not already completed a higher education course. Staff who obtain a place will attend monthly workshops and most of the learning will be integrated into their daily working activities.
Kevin Gunn, general manager sales engagement, BT Global Services UK, said: "In order to compete on a global level we need to take a more long-term approach to developing the talent within our organisation."
Pauline Wonders, corporate development manager at Sunderland Business School, said: "We have worked in partnership with BT to develop a foundation degree that exactly meets the needs of the organisation and its employees. In line with government policy, work-based learning programmes that are driven by employer needs now form a major element of many organisations’ learnings and development strategies, and the demand for courses such as this is likely to increase."