It has been widely reported that Manchester is experiencing a worrying skills shortage in the IT and digital sectors which is hampering business growth in the region.

A new partnership between two of the North West’s leading Apprenticeship providers, NowSkills and Alliance Learning, aims to help fill this gap, by recruiting and training the IT professionals of the future and supporting Manchester in its journey to becoming a leading digital city.

Unlike many IT Apprenticeship providers, Alliance Learning and NowSkills guarantee that all apprentices will complete their training while employed within the IT department of a local business, ensuring they have ‘real’ industry experience and a ‘real’ future in IT.

Daniel Wells, General Manager of NowSkills explains: “Our IT apprenticeships have been carefully designed to ensure young people receive the very best support, training and hands-on work experience. Our apprentices will be highly skilled and sought- after employees who will be able to go out and make waves in a thriving and well-paid IT industry.

“Businesses employing our apprentices will gain a highly-skilled member of staff: a young person who has grown up with technology, instinctively understands how it works and has the formal qualifications and experience to contribute to your business success.”

According to the Government’s shortage occupation list for the UK and Scotland, Software Professionals, IT Managers, IT Strategists and Marketing Managers are in high demand.

Kelly Perkin Operations & Quality Improvement Executive of Alliance Learning explains: “The new partnership between Alliance Learning and NowSkills is incredibly exciting for everyone involved. Together we can now offer a highly specialised Apprenticeship programme which will deliver the skills that the region needs.

“On completing their Apprenticeship, our young people will be able to apply for roles such as Support Technician, Website Administrator, Web Developer, Social Media Manager and Network Engineer to name just a few.

“We’re looking forward to further strengthening our partnership working with NowSkills and watching our apprentices flourish and make a real impact in the digital landscape of Manchester.”

For further information visit the NowSkills website or  Alliance Learning's Website