Learning computes thanks to haysmacintyre partnership programme at Uxbridge College

Computing & IT students at Uxbridge College have had a unique opportunity to learn essential industry skills thanks to equipment donations, presentations from experts and a work experience scheme by haysmacintyre.

The link between the London-based Chartered Accountants and the computing department at College has enabled the students to learn a range of additional technical and workplace skills whilst studying on Level 2 and 3 courses, as well as on the Higher Education HND programme.

Over the last few years, haysmacintyre has donated server and SAN (storage area network) equipment to Uxbridge College, which has been used to help students develop high-level skills setting up and maintaining computer networks. The accountancy firm also arranged for a presentation to students by cybersecurity specialist Tony Gee from Pen Test Partners (pictured in black t-shirt) during the College’s Work Week and runs an ongoing work experience programme.

Simon Bulleyment, the Chief Information Officer at haysmacintyre, said: “It’s great to be providing opportunities for the next generation of computing professionals and haysmacintyre is delighted to be working with Uxbridge College to support students through equipment donations and skills sharing. Whilst the computer equipment may no longer be of use to us, it still has a lot of life in it and it’s very pleasing to see young people using it to learn. This scheme also has a personal relevance for me as I studied locally at Brunel University London and also worked in Hayes at Thorn EMI when I first started my career.

Dr Sam Al-Jajjoka, Computing Team Leader at Uxbridge College, said: “There is no substitute for learning by using professional equipment or with the help of industry experts, both on site and in the workplace. I would like to say how much we appreciate haysmacintyre’s generous and continuing support to our Computing & IT students – I have no doubt that the opportunities they provide will give our students a real advantage in the future.”

The students who have benefitted from haysmacintyre’s support are studying on the following courses: BTEC Level 2 and BTEC Extended Diploma in IT; C&G Level 3 in ICT Systems and Principles; Pearson HND Level 5 in Computing.