Employer Case Study: IT consultancy Core 29
Thursday 25 June 2026

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.
