CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB) will sponsor two new degree programmes at the University of Winchester: a BA (Hons) Business Management for Information Technology and BSc (Hons) Information Systems Management, and the associated Foundation Degrees. The programmes launched in September 2014 with an intake of 30 students, with the aim of increasing to more than 40 per annum over the next few years.
The University of Winchester and CGI have been working together since 2006. The two new degree programmes were designed through the collaboration of CGI with a team of academics and staff from the University. This collaboration ensured that these degrees will help graduates meet the anticipated needs of CGI’s business and clients’ over the coming years.
“UK-based companies need to move into higher-level aspects of IT,” noted Tim Gregory, President, CGI in the UK. “We need employees of a high calibre who are able to help drive UK PLC to be a global technology leader. The combination of work-based learning and teaching during the programmes are designed to ensure graduates of the University will be fully equipped to rise to this challenge.”
Professor David Birks, Director of Winchester Business School at the University of Winchester added, “We have been collaborating with CGI for 8 years and are delighted with the continued and growing academic prowess achieved by our CGI students. What makes these students particularly special is the continued impact they have on the success of CGI. The new degrees reflect a comprehensive analysis of the future direction of the industry, performed by CGI and Business School academics with input from students. The programmes have been designed to allow student to continually apply their learning in the workplace. They attend university 1 day a week and spend the other 4 days working on live projects which bring their learning to life. Working with industry in this way is essential in giving our students the very best start.”
The degree programmes are part of CGI’s larger commitment to the UK IT industry and skills development. CGI also offers 40 Higher IT Apprenticeship placements each year and an Industrial Placement Programme for up to 30 students who complete a year in industry as part of their degree. In addition, CGI’s Graduate Programme offers 100 graduates the chance to receive training and work in IT.
About the University of Winchester
The University of Winchester is a values-driven institution. Founded in 1840 the University offers undergraduate and postgraduate study on a range of subjects within the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, education, health and social care.
The Winchester Business School is a member of the United Nations’ Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME). Themes of responsibility, ethics and sustainability are embedded throughout the programmes.
Website: www.winchester.ac.uk
The University of Winchester Press Office can be contacted by calling 01962 827678 or by emailing press@winchester.ac.uk
About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI Group Inc. is the fifth largest independent information technology and business process services firm in the world. Approximately 68,000 professionals serve thousands of global clients from offices and delivery centers across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, leveraging a comprehensive portfolio of services including high-end business and IT consulting, systems integration, application development and maintenance, infrastructure management as well as a wide range of proprietary solutions. With annualized revenue in excess of C$10 billion and an order backlog of approximately C$19 billion, CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Website: www.cgi.com.
For more information
Jenny Thorpe
UK External Communications
Jenny.thorpe@cgi.com
+44 (0)7771 815428
