Computer science students recognised at technology conference

Computer science students from the University of Wolverhampton were celebrated at a recent conference organised by one of the world’s leading technology companies.  

The achievements of ten students were recognised at the annual UK IBM i User Group, i-UG conference at the Mount Hotel in Wolverhampton. The conference sees employers, vendors and IBM staff come together to explore innovation in the technology space linked to IBM developments. 

The students celebrated are part of the latest cohort of 25 being supported to complete the i-UG Open Source Education for IBM I programme.  

The programme is designed to bring new talent to the IBM I platform by leveraging the Open-Source capabilities of the platform. Students are given training in a variety of tools which enhance their ability to start producing useful applications that can be applied directly to real businesses.  

During the programme, the education focuses their understanding of the Internet of Things (IoT), the use of databases, the decision-making process, the realisation of connectivity between people, data and things, as well as having an enjoyable journey through the Open-Source world and conversing with an AI. 

This industry standard training is delivered by Mike Ryan, IBM Distinguished Engineer, and the UK IBM I User Group, i-UG. This was the third cohort of students who have benefited from the opportunity to work on industry hardware and software to build large scale applications.  

Students are supported throughout the programme by Dr. Andrew Gascoyne, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics and Computer Science, Jordan Brennan, Lecturer in AI & Data Science, Emily Rodden, Lecturer in Lecturer in AI & Data Science, Abigail Parkes, Lecturer in AI & Data Science and Dr. Liam Naughton, Associate Professor in Mathematics.   

Dr Naughton said: “The support Mike has given to our students has been phenomenal. This includes free industry standard training, user accounts on an IBM machine in Manchester, access to connected devices and software, exposure to employers and even graduate jobs.  

“This is precisely what the gold standard in embedding employability in the curriculum looks like and this is all comes down to the enormous effort of Mike and his team. We are humbled by his dedication to our students.” 

For anyone interested in studying courses at the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, visit our website or book a place for one of our forthcoming Open Days.