Stirling e-commerce company partners with university to deliver data-led apprenticeships 

A Stirling-headquartered e-commerce data specialist is teaming up with a Scottish university to allow students to benefit from both high-quality teaching and work-based learning.

Optiseller will work with the University of Stirling to help deliver graduate apprenticeships in data science.  

Graduate apprentices work for their employer whilst studying and developing their skills at university.

Graduate apprenticeships were introduced by the Scottish Government to enhance workforce skills through graduate-level qualifications.

The programme was developed by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), in partnership with industry and the education sector, to provide work-based learning opportunities and a new route into degree-level study for individuals who are currently employed or seek to go straight into work. 

Students on the scheme typically spend 80 per cent of their four-year course in the workplace and 20 per cent engaged in study.  

Two Stirling University students, Graeme Lavery and Duncan Hayward, are currently enrolled in the programme.

Lavery, Data Engineer at Optiseller, said: “The apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to learn and qualify while working, applying what you are learning and ultimately helping the business.” 

Hayward, junior data scientist at Optiseller, added: “I’m delighted to get the chance to explore the rapidly growing and evolving data science field in both professional and academic environments with my colleagues, mentors and lecturers.”  

Mario Kolberg, senior lecturer in computing science and course director at the University of Stirling, said: “We are delighted to partner with Optiseller on our graduate apprenticeship in the data science programme, and we welcome the students who have joined us.

“University of Stirling graduates will play a key role in supporting the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and this programme provides a route into education for many, while offering employers such as Optiseller opportunities to upskill and develop existing or attract new talent, ready to make a positive impact in their company and the Scottish economy.”  

Louise Findlay, head of HR at Optiseller, said: “Learning and development is one of our key focuses, and the graduate apprenticeships in data science give us the opportunity to provide invaluable work experience whilst supporting our people to achieve additional qualifications. 

“We are excited for Graeme and Duncan to expand their knowledge and experience through this course. They will be given the opportunity to learn how to collect, manage and analyse fast-moving data working alongside our experts, and we hope they grow and develop within the company for years to come.”