DVLA Presents a Unique Opportunity to their Staff

Twenty people from across the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have achieved a Foundation Degree in Computer Science (FdSc) with Swansea University following an exciting and challenging opportunity to undertake a two year programme of study.

The first cohort of students, seized the opportunity with both hands and have shown a massive commitment to the programme. They’ve completed all of the work involved and expected of them, along with performing their normal day jobs.

Over the course of the two years there have also been opportunities for the students to apply for permanent Software Engineering roles, and it is testament to the success of the Foundation Degree that a number of students have been successful in doing so.

Achieving a Foundation Degree is a massive accomplishment and testament to their commitment to make the most of the opportunity they were presented with.

Karen Clarke, Capability and Talent Lead said:

“Investing in our people is incredibly important. To become a truly modern and agile organisation, we need the right people with the right skills. Providing our employees with opportunities to develop and gain qualifications will allow us to continue to develop a ‘best in class’ IT service.

We were also delighted to learn that Emma Kapias was presented a prize by the University's Director of Teaching for being the year’s top FdSc graduate – a fantastic achievement, well done Emma!”

Dr Liam O’Reilly, a senior lecturer on the programme praised Emma’s achievement:

“Emma is the top student in an innovative work-based learning programme. The Foundation Degree requires dedication and careful balancing of study, employment and family commitments.

 “Emma’s personal commitment to the FdSc has been consistently high and this has been reflected in her high-quality work. Emma showcases the talent in the local tech industry and what can be achieved through business partnerships with Swansea University”.

 All of the students attended their Winter Graduation Ceremony sharing their success with their loved ones.

Richard Evans, Vehicles Development and Support, said:

“I have found the course immensely beneficial as it offered a foundation of knowledge in all avenues of software development and IT infrastructure. I will take this foundation forward to find myself a specialisation, knowing I am well prepared for a life of Software Engineering.”

Dave Powlson, Head of Application, Support & Infrastructure, added:

“To deliver our transformation objectives, to maintain service and to run IT in government, we must become a centre of engineering excellence. We will not achieve our objectives without; investing in the training and development of all our staff; growing the technical engineering capability within the Swansea and South West Wales area; and, offering opportunities to all those with an interest and aptitude for engineering to develop and enhance their skills.”

“The training, development and educational opportunities we offer, enhance and extend in the future will underpin our success in DVLA and in the future across DfT and wider government”.

Dave Perry, Chief Technology Officer congratulated all of the students, and said,

“Committing to undertaking further education is a big ask, not only for the person doing it, but for family and friends as well.

“I’m proud that we could sponsor these degrees, and even more proud of those that have achieved great success.”

“Well done to each and every one of them”.