A £4.8m tech education initiative was launched last night by the Mayor’s Fund in collaboration with 100 Tech City employers.
Tech Up Nation will create a new set of employer-led qualifications, including a Level 3 NVQ in Coding and Networking, as well as a Level 2 NVQ in Cabling and Networking, to get local young people trained up to work in tech.
High-speed, wireless internet provider and early Tech City Stars supporter Optimity is leading the project from the business side, in partnership with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.
Anthony Impey, MD at Optimity, explained why Tech City employers need to be in the driving seat to develop the skills they need in their companies.
He said:
“This new programme gives employers direct access to government funding to define exactly what skills they want. It will go a long way to start fixing the skills crisis that everyone in the area is suffering by building a long-term talent pipeline.”
Potential recruits will first participate in a ten-day bootcamp, followed by a ten-week, part-time pre-employment training programme. Those who are successful will be offered a one-year apprenticeship with a Tech City firm, where they will complete the NVQ.
The money for the scheme is being provided by the London-based L&Q Housing Association, with backing from Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Global Radio’s Make Some Noise charity. L&Q is hoping to engage directly with its residents to fill places on the scheme.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said that his team is ‘pushing every possible button’ in order to get local young people involved with the flourishing tech sector.
He added:
“The Tech Up Nation programme will provide thousands of young Londoners with an apprenticeship that can provide them with the skills and opportunities they need to help shape the future of our digital revolution.”