Digital academy to tackle skills shortage and unemployment in Hartlepool

A digital academy has been launched in the North East to help tackle the digital skills gap and unemployment in the region.

Orangebox Training in Hartlepool has teamed up creative agency Property Webmasters to create the Digital Academy, and are preparing for the first cohort who will start on November 28.

The Digital Academy, which will be held in the digital skills quarter in Church Street, Hartlepool, brings local training and a digital company to offer all its experience and knowledge onto the learners and working with them on digital solutions.

Director Simon Corbett said: “It’s critical that the Tees Valley and the wider region have access to a talent pool that helps promote a digital economy.

“Businesses like ours have a responsibility to help shape the workforce based on the skills we need.

“In a world where digital transactions and procedures are the new norm, we are here to help upskill and inform learners of the skills needed to gain employment or further education in the digital sector to give you that competitive edge.”

Property Webmasters CEO, Jamie Arthur, added: “Our growing team offer full creative services to clients from various markets and operating from many countries globally, our core services are categorised as website design/development, graphic design and online marketing which includes Search Engine Optimisation and newsletter management amongst other things.

“This is why we thought it would be great to partner up with another Hartlepool company and offer something the region is crying out for.”

The Academy will offer employability skills allowing a bridge way to leaning digital skills, digital promotion for business and graphic design.

Each learner will complete: Level 1 Certificate in Digital Skills; Level 2 Award in Digital Promotion for Business; and a Level 2 Certificate in Creative Media - Graphic Design.