TCS iON Supports Engineering Development Trust to Launch Virtual Educational Programmes for Students

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has supported the Engineering Development Trust (EDT), its long-term STEM skills partner, launch virtual educational programmes for school and college students, through its TCS iON Digital Learning Platform. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, experiences of work, technical skills trainings, and EDT programmes have become inaccessible for many students. To address this gap, EDT has adapted its summer programmes to become virtual by leveraging the TCS iON platform.

“TCS iON is partnering with education institutions across the world to help them navigate the current challenges, and also transition into a digital era where teaching and learning do not have physical boundaries,” said Venguswamy Ramaswamy, global head, TCS iON. “We are delighted to once again work with EDT on programmes that inspire interest in STEM education and careers among students in UK. Virtual delivery democratises access, allowing us to reach more students than ever before.”

EDT is working with 20 UK universities and 300 corporate partners to deliver the programmes. This summer will see the launch of four virtual programmes, including university taster days, experiences of work and activities, to help students interested in STEM subjects gain meaningful experiences and accreditation through Industrial Cadets.

EDT and TCS have worked with universities and corporate partners to create virtual university taster courses on the TCS iON Digital Learning Platform, enabling participants to complete them at their own pace. On completion, students are awarded a Silver Industrial Cadet certification.

The TCS iON platform is also extending the reach of TCS’ long-established Digital Explorers programme, conducted in partnership with EDT, which aims to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in STEM. While the in-person programme typically saw around 700 participants, the first virtual event already has 9,000 registrations so far. It will include Industrial Cadets virtual work experience and experience days throughout the summer in England and into the autumn term in Scotland. Upon completion, students will receive a Challenger Industrial Cadet certification.

“Experiences of work and connections with industry are critical in providing students the chance to make their own choices for their future and we are delighted to be able to offer these opportunities to young people interested in STEM subjects in a new way,” said Julie Feest, CEO, EDT. “By leveraging TCS iON platform, we are reaching students in new ways and offering them really exciting insights into the world of work. We hope that our virtual programmes will help us broaden our impact across hard to reach areas and focus on disadvantaged young people to answer the issues of widening social divide, equipping them with invaluable skills, introducing them to new people and ultimately making them more employable. I’m excited to see what the future holds for this new way of providing our programmes, and how it can benefit young people to open their eyes to what could be possible for them and their future.”