Tech industry body Manchester Digital has launched Switchboard, a new service designed to make it easier for technology employers to offer work experience, mentoring, industry placements, internships and apprenticeships.
Manchester Digital already works with employers across the region to deliver a significant number of placements and early-career programmes. Switchboard builds on that work by giving businesses one clear route to say what they can offer, while Manchester Digital finds suitable candidates, makes the match and provides practical support.
Last week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that he would extend the region’s MBacc pathway, which supports technical education for 14-19 year olds, across the whole of England. This comes on the back of recent news that there are currently one million young people not in education, employment or training - the highest figure in 12 years. This would also include a 45 day work placement, where necessary.
Manchester Digital is calling on the tech sector to join Switchboard and help young people gain the valuable experience they need to progress in a tech career.
Katie Gallagher OBE, Managing Director of Manchester Digital said: “Our new service Switchboard gives the region’s tech employers a very practical way to open that first door. Not every company can offer an apprenticeship or a permanent role, but most can offer something, even if it’s a short term work placement.
“Young people in the region are struggling more than ever to gain their first foothold into a tech career. The fast-growth of AI as well as economic pressure have made it more difficult for employers to take on early career roles, which often require a lot of support.
“By working closely with Manchester Digital, we know that tech employers can create valuable work experience opportunities and help to develop the tech talent that Greater Manchester is known for.
Holly Onstenk, ESG & Social Value Lead, from digital transformation consultancy Hippo said: “Partnering with Manchester Digital made it much easier for us to create a meaningful opportunity for young people without placing an unrealistic burden on the business. Their team handled the coordination, line management and ongoing support, giving us the confidence to focus on what we do best: providing real project experience, mentoring and insight into working in tech.
“The wrap-around support and flexible hybrid model made the placement manageable for our team and valuable for the students. By taking care of the legwork and providing the right support infrastructure, Manchester Digital enabled us to concentrate our time where it had the greatest impact.”
Employers who have signed up already include: ElevAIte, hackajob, Nexer Group, Nimble Approach, Slalom, If Agency, Canopius, Datum Datacentres and CTI.
Since taking office, the new Prime Minister has also signalled that public procurement will be used more actively to support jobs, skills and wider social value. Social value already carries a minimum weighting of 10% in central government procurements covered by the Social Value Model.
Employment, apprenticeships and training opportunities can all form part of a supplier’s offer, although the measures selected must be relevant and proportionate to the contract.
Manchester Digital is urging tech companies that bid for public contracts to build meaningful opportunities into their business now rather than waiting until a tender lands. Smaller businesses are a particular focus: placements can be split across two or three employers and Manchester Digital will provide supervision plans and hands-on support for firms offering a placement for the first time.
Employers can join Switchboard at: https://www.manchesterdigital.com/switchboard
