Helping apprentices lead the field in big data
Anglia Ruskin and Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute team up to deliver new training
Anglia Ruskin University and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have received funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to launch a new degree apprenticeship in Data Science in September 2018.
Anglia Ruskin has been supported in its application by several global companies involved in genetics and computational biology, including Genomics England, as well as Congenica, Eagle Genomics, GlaxoSmithKline, Global Gene Corp, SciBite, and Specific Techologies.
The emergence of big data and its use in biological research has led to a growing need for skilled professionals who can analyse and interpret biological data.
Genomics in particular is a growth industry, with Deloitte reporting that the industry will grow by 20% this year. The degree apprenticeship aims to enable employers to provide in-work training for their employees, improving their skills base and helping to address the shortage of skilled professionals in the “big data” sector.
There is a clear industry and academic need for developing the talent pool of data scientists and bioinformaticians… A key benefit of a degree structured in this way is that it increases the breadth of potential applicants rather than relying on the traditional route of a masters qualification for biology or quantitative science graduates.
The students on this programme will acquire a greater depth of knowledge in areas such as genetics, genomics, coding and data analysis; providing a sound platform for a career in the bioinformatics field.
Dr Augusto Rendon
Director of Bioinformatics, Genomics England
This area of work is a relatively new occupation and as such, may not be visible to many young people at the beginning of their careers. Already we are seeing a skills shortage in this important area, despite being acutely aware that genomics and biodata offer an incredibly diverse and promising career path for anyone.
We hope this apprenticeship will help people in search of a rewarding career find an inspiring and fulfilling future.
Jane Scotcher
Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development at the Sanger Institute
For further information, contact [email protected]
Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is one of the world’s leading genome centres. Through its ability to conduct research at scale, it is able to engage in bold and long-term exploratory projects that are designed to influence and empower medical science globally. Institute research findings, generated through its own research programmes and through its leading role in international consortia, are being used to develop new diagnostics and treatments for human disease.
Read More
