The launch of our Digital Apprenticeships

As a college who recognises the importance of cyber skills and its place in the future workforce, we’re excited to announce the introduction of our first digital apprenticeships, which we’re certain will be a popular option for tech-savvy students.

With our new Cyber Hub at Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone which launched last year as part of Cyber College Cymru, these apprenticeships demonstrate our latest commitment to creating a digitally skilled future workforce for the South Wales area and beyond.

Who are the apprenticeships for?

Ideal for young people who are new to the sector, the apprenticeships are being launched in partnership with the Aspire Share Apprenticeship Programme, with a focus on roles in IT Solutions Development and Support. The goal of these apprenticeships is to get young people upskilled and employed in roles where future demand is high, such as software development, web development, software testing, software support and software project management. We’re seeing more and more demand for skilled employees in these areas, making the digital apprenticeships a great career-starter for ambitious young people.

The scheme aims to boost business growth in Wales and tackle unemployment, whilst also providing aspirational opportunities for young people in the country. As part of this, the Aspire programme will also engage with local schools to promote recruitment of apprentices for the sector, demonstrating how this pathway is a viable career opportunity.

How can employers get involved?

As a college, we’ll be responsible for delivering the qualifications that will form part of these apprenticeships for young people, alongside learners gaining experience in the workplace with local employers. We’re currently encouraging any interested companies in our local area to join us in this launch by taking on an apprentice and helping to make the scheme a success.

There are a whole host of benefits to employers who choose to get involved. Apprentices will be jointly employed alongside Aspire, with pay facilitated through the Aspire systems for the duration of the apprenticeship. Aspire will also help to coordinate and manage the recruitment and employment of the apprentice, reducing the admin required for organisations to get involved. Following successful recruitment of an apprentice, an Aspire mentoring officer will also be assigned to mentor and support them throughout their apprenticeship journey. The digital apprentice programme therefore not only benefits learners, but also benefits local employers, bringing fresh talent and ideas into the workforce.

By getting involved with the scheme, companies will also be given the opportunity to provide additional skills and training to existing staff members, ensuring their whole work force has the most up to date knowledge.

Want to find out more?

If you think that a Digital Apprentice could be the right fit for your organisation, our team are keen to hear from you. For more information on the scheme please contact our Apprenticeship Team directly, either by email apprenticeships@coleggwent.ac.uk or by phone on 01495 333777.