TRAIN DIGITAL: Digital Tech Sector

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.

UKSPF supports the UK government’s wider commitment to level up all parts of the UK by delivering on each of the levelling up objectives:

• Boost productivity, pay, jobs and living standards by growing the private sector, especially in those places where they are lagging
• Spread opportunities and improve public services, especially in those places where they are weakest
• Restore a sense of community, local pride and belonging, especially in those places where they have been lost
• Empower local leaders and communities, especially in those places lacking local agency

The primary goal of the UKSPF is to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK. Underneath this overarching aim, there are three UKSPF investment priorities – Communities and Place, Supporting Local Business and People and Skills. Funding is tackling the challenges set out in our Investment Plan and provides an opportunity to pursue local opportunities to help Gateshead become a place where everyone thrives.

Gateshead Council is seeking to invite applications to deliver a project against the following People and Skills intervention:

• E41: Funding to Support Local Digital Skills

Bids are invited for a project of up to £24,999, to pilot activity focussing on the development and provision of work, or industry experience, for young people who would not otherwise get the opportunity to do so.

The digital tech sector relies on a skilled workforce, both qualified and with experience in this fast-paced industry and whilst qualifications are required, hands on experience within the sector is invaluable and often difficult to obtain. We therefore welcome applications which demonstrate innovative options for work experience and/or industry exposure.

TRAIN DIGITAL: Digital Tech Sector project will be developed by grant applicants and should:
• Provide meaningful work experience to young people studying for qualifications within the digital tech sector where industry experience could be a barrier to employment.
• Consider innovative ways to ensure young people partake in meaningful work experience which could support any future opportunities to work within the sector.
• Whilst not a requirement, we would welcome applications from those who offer inclusive opportunities, particularly for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds e.g. care experienced.
• Help young people build an understanding of employer expectations so they are better equipped with key skills and behaviours for entering and progressing in the workplace.
• Maximise outcomes and avoid duplication in local areas by considering provision already available locally such as through the Adult Skills Fund.