Advanced is poised to transform digital capabilities in the UK with its robust apprenticeship program.
The initiative aims to counteract current skill shortages and support local communities.
Advanced’s Commitment to Digital Skills
The software company, Advanced, has announced its intention to strengthen the UK’s digital skills by offering 60-70 apprenticeships annually. This initiative comes ahead of the apprenticeship levy taking effect on 1st April. A substantial annual fund of £500,000 will support this ambition, aimed at enhancing local talent engagement within their regional centres.
Advanced, headquartered in Berkshire, is adapting its operations to draw on regional talent by establishing significant hubs, including a newly operational centre in Birmingham and an impending one in Knutsford, Cheshire. The goal is to tackle the difficulties in securing adequately skilled digital professionals.
Strategic Importance of Digital Skills
CEO Gordon Wilson emphasises that updating digital skills is crucial for both Advanced and the national industrial strategy. “The lack of up-to-date digital skills represents a risk, essentially throttling digital transformation success and threatening business prosperity,” he stated.
Wilson highlights the firm’s duty as a technology solutions leader to continuously rejuvenate workforce skills. This approach promises to align the company’s goals with creating digital career paths around regional hubs.
Addressing the Regional Skills Gap
Significant regions in the UK lack adequate digital workforce capabilities, despite rapid digital sector growth, according to Manchester Metropolitan University’s Paul Bason.
Advanced is a proactive member of the West Midlands tech community, supporting its Birmingham hub and engaging in the Northern Powerhouse’s developmental initiatives, which strive to balance technical skills between the North and South. It seeks collaborative efforts across academia, business, and government to mitigate these challenges.
An upcoming roundtable with leading figures from the North West will discuss potential solutions to these regional disparities, reflecting Advanced’s role in fostering dialogue and partnership.
Training and Development Plans
Apprentice training within Advanced will commence from May 2017, partnering with QA Training to deliver comprehensive technical programs. QA Training’s expertise will be pivotal in sculpting a proficient and future-ready workforce.
This initiative underscores Advanced’s commitment to cultivating a pipeline of skilled individuals to meet growing technological demands.
Achievements and Recognitions
Advanced has been recognised as a leading force in technology, noted by its inclusion in the Sunday Times Top Track 250 of 2016 and the Deloitte UK Fast 50, which highlights rapidly growing tech companies.
Previous commendations include winning Tech Company of the Year at the PwC UK Tech Awards in 2014, reflecting its innovative and leading-edge approach in the tech industry.
These accolades underline Advanced’s sustained growth and influence in the technology sector, further validating its efforts to upskill regional talent.
The Future of Digital Apprenticeships
Looking forward, the digital apprenticeships set by Advanced will play a key role in shaping the next generation of tech professionals in the UK. The company’s initiatives are strategically aligned to fill the critical skills gap hindering industry growth.
The ongoing creation of career pathways not only supports Advanced’s expansion but also contributes significantly to the UK’s broader digital economy.
By fostering local talent and bridging skills disparities, Advanced is poised to significantly influence the industry’s long-term success.
In conclusion, Advanced is not only investing in its workforce but also contributing to the UK’s digital future. By enhancing digital skills through its apprenticeship program, the company is addressing both regional and industry-wide challenges.
Through strategic partnerships and continuous skill upgrades, Advanced is paving the way for sustained growth and innovation across the UK’s digital landscape.