Businesses operating in the digital space the length and breadth of the country admit that one of their biggest challenges is recruiting fresh new talent with the right skills. Demand for developers, UX Designers and Community Managers amongst other roles is set to rocket over the coming years. So in an effort stay competitive, more and more employers are looking to alternative methods to recruit young talent with the potential to become accomplished, creative tech heads.
One fresh approach is using the new undergraduate Apprenticeship in Interactive Design and Development. The programme and associated on the job training was designed by industry. It allows junior techs to hit the ground running and ramp up their skills in record time. This could be a game changer in helping to secure our domestic talent base for the sector to continue expanding.
So problem solved right? Well no, not quite. Employers built this new undergraduate Apprenticeship, so we know the training fits, we now need to ensure the way it’s delivered and assessed also fits, so the talent lives up to our expectations.
A number of forward thinking training providers in the region are leading the training delivery, but there is a shortage of experienced industry coachers, or work based assessors to use it’s proper title. So the call is out for people like you to join the cause!
Remember what it was like when you had your first proper job?
You may have been lucky enough to have been assigned a buddy, if not I bet you wish you had someone to show you the ropes. Whether your motivation is to put something back, grow our next generation of coders, develop your passion for coaching or learning and development, earn a little top up income in your spare time, take advantage of networking opportunities or just to be part of something special at ground level, we’d like to hear from you.
What exactly is involved?
Undergrad apprentices are usually between 18-21, passionate about tech or design and keen to learn. They have some experience of design or code and have decided against university to avoid large debt, and be more hands on getting to grips with real work challenges.
A Coach (or a Workplace Assessor, if we’re to use the official name) guides an Apprentice through assessments, as outlined in their training programme, marks them, advises on areas for improvement and helps plan ahead. They agree a plan of workplace visits (roughly 2-3 hours per Apprentice per month) to gauge progress towards achieving each module and the overall apprenticeship. There’s the opportunity to coach more apprentices and it’s is paid - although the going rate may not necessarily be as good as the pay you’re accustomed to.
Who could become a Workplace Assessor?
Anyone with an adequate amount of relevant industry experience, typically around 5 years but there is flexibility. An assessor will need to complete a short professional vocational teaching qualification, which is nationally recognised, but you can do this on the job. Becoming an Assessor might be appealing to:
Those working for start-ups looking for a little extra income or keen to support the cause without having to employ an apprentice themselves
Freelancers with a few hours to spare each month
Code club volunteers interested in coaching over 18s
Agencies looking for a corporate social responsibility outlet, by encouraging staff to dedicate a few hours a month
Interested, or know someone who is? Please contact Helen@manchesterdigital.com for more information
