Teesside Businesses to Get Apprenticeship Boost with the RAW Digital Talent Academy

In addition to the new wage subsidy scheme that the Tees Valley Combined Authority announced in June, employers can now access a fully-funded pre-apprenticeship training and recruitment service from RAW Digital Training and Baltic Apprenticeships.

The RAW Digital Talent Academy offers a supercharged package of skills and support for young people hoping to kickstart a career in the North East’s digital and IT sectors. There are three upcoming academies which offer a solid introduction to each subject: Digital Marketing and Software Development will each take place 14th to 28th July, and IT Support is planned for 18th to 28th August. To adhere to social distancing guidance, courses will be delivered remotely through real-time online interactive training.

Organisers are looking for young people aged 16-24 who are interested in a digital career, and for North East businesses looking to recruit a new digital apprentice.

After the Talent Academy, employers who sign up with RAW Digital have the opportunity to hire successful candidates as apprentices, enrolling them on a Level 3 training programme with Baltic Apprenticeships.

The Talent Academy is open for employers across the North East region. However, businesses based in Teesside can access this programme in addition to the Tees Valley Combined Authority apprentice wage subsidy scheme, which offers 100% wage funding for 6 months, plus 50% of the remainder for up to two years.

Joanna Wake, Managing Director of RAW Digital Training, said: “We know that now more than ever, it’s vital to support our tech sector and ensure that young people are going into rewarding careers.

“Our Talent Academies have been set up in direct response to businesses’ needs, and it’s a really great opportunity for anyone looking to build their talent pipeline and tackle their digital skills gap. With our support, businesses get the peace of mind that their new apprentice has got a head-start with technical skills, but also that they have the right attitude – those behaviours and soft skills that make a great employee.”

Speaking about the Tees Valley Combined Authority wage subsidy, Joanna said: “The support we’re seeing for Teesside is incredible. The wage subsidy is a unique commitment from TVCA to boost our local economy and invest in the digital skills pipeline for our region. If you combine that kind of financial support with the expertise that we offer through RAW and through Baltic – our apprenticeship provider – I think Teesside businesses are going to see something really special if they give a young person a chance.”

Anthony Hobbs, Managing Director of Baltic Apprenticeships, said: “Our partnership with RAW Digital is moving from strength to strength with the introduction of the RAW Digital Talent Academy. Confidence is everything, and the Talent Academy gives this to both candidates and employers. Candidates get an intense introduction to the digital sector,

gaining real skills, insights and career opportunities. Meanwhile, businesses have the opportunity and personalised support to confidently recruit an amazing apprentice with the potential to truly thrive in their new role.”

Businesses looking to secure a recruit from an upcoming RAW Digital Talent Academy can find our more by contacting the Baltic Apprenticeships team via www.balticapprenticeships.com. Young people can register their interest in an academy via the RAW Digital Website: https://rawdigital.training/learners/.

More information on the Tees Valley apprentice wage subsidy scheme is available at: https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/tees-valley-mayor-launches-fund-for-employers-to-help-100-apprentices-get-back-to-work/