North East tech firms join up with Generator to launch Digital Bootcamp

North East tech firms join up with Generator to launch Digital Bootcamp

North East business support organisation Generator is launching an 8-week programme aimed at helping to plug the region’s digital skills gap.

Beginning on Wednesday September 13 in Newcastle, Digital Bootcamp will provide people just entering the industry with hands on practice in the sector. Offering experience in areas from general agency-life to the latter stages of project development, leading city tech names like hedgehog lab, Orange Bus and Gospelware are all on board to support the initiative.

The Bootcamp will also feature soft skills workshops and networking events, aiming to quickly get inexperienced enrollees up to speed in the industry.

Emma Whitenstall, Generator’s, Business Support Programme Manager, explained: “Whether you are a creative digital agency or a non-digital business with a digital team, and you’ve just taken on a new starter who needs to be brought up to speed, we can help.

“Generator’s Digital Bootcamp has been created to bridge the skills gap highlighted by the sector, that exists between university leavers and career starters entering digital businesses.

“The programme will be delivered by the best creative digital professionals from the region to create an industry ready workforce. We are really excited to announce our partnership with hedgehog lab, Orange Bus and Gospelware, who will each be hosting a project brief in-house as part of the Bootcamp.”

Generator will get things underway with an introduction to agency life, how a project team fits together, an overview of project management tools & techniques, and a focus on commercial awareness. Things are said to progress in week two, with the first of the organisation’s in-house project briefs at one of the partner agencies, putting their team working skills to the test.

In week three, participants will attend a communication masterclass at Northern Stage where they will develop the confidence to speak up and deliver their point, before moving on to client interaction skills and networking tips.

The following weeks include a full day introduction to Agile/Scrum, pitch writing, presentation skills, written communications & social media masterclasses, alongside two more in-house project briefs.

Ray Clarke, hedgehog lab’s Chief Design Officer, commented: “Generator’s Digital Bootcamp will provide those looking to enter the industry with essential insights into the workings of an agile digital business.

“This is crucially important since companies such as our own operate in completely different ways to larger firms in traditional industries. hedgehog lab is committed to boosting skills in the North East tech sector and is delighted to be involved in this forward-thinking initiative.”

Ryan Davies, MD of app developer, Gospelware, added: “We are delighted to be working with Generator on the Digital Bootcamp.

“We hope that sharing our knowledge will help elevate the understanding of what is required to work in our industry. This will be vital for up-skilling current employees and finding the talent of the future.”