Breaking Barriers: Cognizant and QA Launch Masters-Level Apprenticeship to Empower Women in Tech Leadership

Breaking Barriers: Cognizant and QA Launch Masters-Level Apprenticeship to Empower Women in Tech Leadership






TechWizard Feature: New Masters-level Apprenticeship Programme for Women in Tech Leadership

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Empowering Women in Tech Leadership

In a groundbreaking initiative to bridge the gender gap in tech leadership roles, Cognizant and QA have joined forces to launch an innovative MSc-level apprenticeship programme. This program aims to cultivate a new generation of female leaders in the tech industry, addressing the underrepresentation of women in senior positions.

With the support of Northumbria University, the 24-month MSc Digital and Technology Specialist Apprenticeship offers specialized pathways in software engineering, data analytics, cyber security, IT ops management, and DevOps. Through a blend of theoretical modules and practical experience, learners will develop technical expertise and executive leadership skills essential for success in today’s digital landscape.

At Cognizant, a pioneer in digital transformation, gender diversity is a top priority. With women currently holding 38% of roles within the company, Cognizant is committed to further increasing female representation at all levels, particularly in senior management.

The apprenticeship programme will feature insights and guidance from senior female leaders at industry giants such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Partner, Salesforce, and ServiceNow. Topics covered will include personal branding, emotional intelligence, negotiation, and data-driven decision making, equipping participants with the tools needed to excel in leadership roles.

Jo Bishenden, Managing Director for Apprenticeships at QA, emphasized the importance of empowering women in technology leadership, highlighting apprenticeships as a valuable pathway to diversifying the tech workforce. By nurturing female talent through structured training and development, organizations can contribute to a more balanced and inclusive industry.

Rohit Gupta, Managing Director UK&I at Cognizant, underscored the transformative potential of generative AI and the importance of a diverse workforce in leveraging this technology responsibly. By closing the gender leadership gap, Cognizant aims to foster a new wave of women tech leaders who will drive equitable growth and innovation.

Join us in celebrating this milestone in tech education and empowerment, as we pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in technology leadership.