The BBC has launched a new traineeship to give young people digital skills
(Dominic Lipinski/PA)
The BBC has launched a new traineeship scheme to fill the technology skills gap that exists in the UK.
The Make it Digital Traineeship will be available in 60 towns and cities around England, teaching those aged 16 and 24 digital skills including coding and computer programming.
The broadcaster has partnered with the Department for Work and Pension and the Skills Funding Agency on the scheme, which will also be promoted by Jobcentre Plus.
The traineeship will involve teaching those who join how to build basic websites, as well as create and post videos online. This will be combined with what the scheme calls "employability skills" such as budgeting and team work. There will also be work placements offered as part of the training.
Joe Godwin, director of the BBC Academy, which designed the traineeship, said: "The Make it Digital Traineeship pilot which we ran in Birmingham this year has seen 50% go on to employment, further training or other opportunities.
"Now up to 5,000 more young unemployed people will be able to benefit from proper hands-on work experience, while helping to create a more diverse workforce. Businesses will benefit from young people with great employability skills who can help them navigate the digital world."
Unemployed young people are also set to be invited to take part by their Jobcentre Work Coaches.
"Up and down the country, Jobcentre Plus staff support young people in developing the skills and training they need to find a job," said Jobcentre Plus manager Julia Nix.
"With rising wages and near record vacancies, we want young people to take up opportunities that will boost their experience and impress future employers.
"That's why we'll be launching a work experience campaign so that young people can make the most of schemes like these. We want more employers, like the BBC, to work with us so that we get the right people with the right skills in the right job.
"It's only by working with together that we can plug the skills gap in some industries and help people fulfil their potential."
