Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Employer Case Study: IT consultancy Core 29

Thursday 25 June 2026

Alan Dick

Robert Gordon University’s (Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­) work-integrated learning model is delivering more than graduates - it’s building a reliable, industry-ready talent pipeline that businesses trust.

For Aberdeen-based IT consultancy , that pipeline has become a vital part of its growth strategy. With longstanding links to the University, the company has seen firsthand how Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ students transition seamlessly from placement to permanent roles, bringing both technical capability and commercial awareness into the workplace.

A partnership that delivers

Core 29’s Managing Director, Alan Dick, plays an active role in shaping future talent as a member of the Industry Board for Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­â€™s School of Computing, Engineering and Technology. Through initiatives such as Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Hack and placement opportunities, the business engages early with students - identifying potential, building relationships and opening doors to careers.

“It gives us the opportunity to work with somebody at an early stage in their development… and a heads up on people we may have an opportunity for in the future.�

This early engagement creates mutual value. Students gain meaningful, real-world experience, while employers develop a deeper understanding of emerging talent - often before roles are even available.

More than a degree

At Core 29, placements aren’t a standalone experience - they are embedded into a wider journey from education to employment. Students contribute to live projects, develop practical skills and, in many cases, carry that experience forward into their final-year work and beyond.

“It’s not just academic achievement - it’s about what else students bring. Have they taken opportunities to develop their skills?�

This emphasis on applied learning - through placements, projects and extracurricular activity - ensures Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ graduates leave with more than knowledge. They graduate with confidence, adaptability and the ability to make an immediate impact.

A proven model for employer confidence

For businesses like Core 29, this model reduces risk and accelerates recruitment success. When opportunities arise, Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ is often the first place they look.

“When we do have vacancies, I try and make it so that we can go to Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ first.â€�

It’s a clear endorsement of a university that doesn’t just prepare students for work - it integrates them into it.

Award-winning, outcome-proven

This employer confidence is underpinned by national recognition. Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ has been named Higher Educational Institution of the Year (Herald Awards 2026) and is ranked #1 in Scotland for Graduate Prospects (on track), as well as Top Modern University in Scotland (Complete University Guide 2027).

These accolades reflect a consistent focus on outcomes: graduates who are equipped to succeed, and employers who see real value in hiring them.

Powering the future workforce

As Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ continues its ambition to become the UK’s leading work-integrated university by 2030, partnerships like Core 29 demonstrate the tangible impact of its approach - transforming education into opportunity, and potential into performance.

For graduating students, this is a message of confidence: your experience matters, and your skills are in demand.

For employers, the message is clear: Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ offers access to a pipeline of talent ready to contribute from day one.

Connect with Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ talent

Join organisations like Core 29 who are already benefiting from an award-winning, industry-connected university.

Get in touch with Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­â€™s Employability Team to access career-ready graduates and build your future workforce.

Finding Talent