Hackney college appeals to tech and creative companies to take on apprentices

A successful college apprenticeship scheme is appealing for more companies to help to nurture the next generation of talent.

The Tech City Apprenticeships scheme, run by Hackney Community College in Falkirk Street, Hoxton, wants more firms to sign up.

The apprenticeships provide participants with a university level qualification alongside four days a week of paid work in a digital, creative or IT company.

Apprentices and the CEO of Tech City UK spoke during a celebration of the scheme at Open Kitchen in Hoxton Street.

Gerard Grech, who became CEO this month, is keen to see more young people pick up essential technology skills.

He said: “A key focus for Tech City UK is to inspire the next generation of digital and tech entrepreneurs.

“Alongside our own programmes designed to boost entrepreneurship, we are proud to support crucially important initiatives such as Hackney Community College’s apprenticeship programme.

“It’s great to join the apprentices this evening and hear directly the benefit they’re getting from the programme as it brings them together with the growing companies that are much in need of their skills. But we need more examples of this.”