Gloucestershire College, CyNam and the South West Apprenticeship Company have joined forces to launch a new initiative to help SMEs and start-ups maximise the benefits of IT and cyber apprenticeships.

Tech Talent Lab provides comprehensive support to a limited number of businesses wishing to employ apprentices, to address increasing skill shortages in the sector, particularly in entry level roles.

The Tech Talent Lab initiative is supported by funding from the Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to further assist SMEs to take on apprentices and providing them with comprehensive support to simplify the process.

Through apprenticeships, businesses can upskill and reskill their workforce, empowering them to thrive in the digital age.

With Tech Talent Lab, employers gain exclusive access to a peer-to-peer network, fully funded recruitment support, and award-winning, in-person training provided by Gloucestershire College.

Taking on apprentices in IT and cybersecurity benefits employers and provides invaluable training and development for apprentices, addressing the skills gap in the industry.

By investing in apprenticeships through Tech Talent Lab, employers are not only securing the future of their own enterprises, but also contributing to the growth and innovation of the wider industry.

Clare Vertigen, managing director of the South West Apprenticeship Company, said: "SWAC's involvement in the Tech Talent Lab is not just a partnership. It shows our commitment to help shape future skills and foster innovation, whilst supporting employers new to apprenticeship recruitment and employment in Gloucestershire.

"Together, we're not just bridging the skills gap, but hopefully empowering the next generation of talent in this sector. I am excited to see the apprentices' skills journeys and celebrate their success."

SWAC, a government-approved apprenticeship recruitment and employment agency, streamlines and simplifies the apprenticeship employment process for employers across all sectors in the South West region.

Gloucestershire College, the UK's Digital Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2024, is the training partner for Tech Talent Lab, delivering apprenticeship programmes in DevOps engineer (Level 4); software development technician (Level 3); and cyber security technician (Level 3).

Andy Bates, vice principal of Gloucestershire College, said: "Tech Talent Lab is a great example of collaborative thinking between education and industry. As the training provider, we are thrilled to support employers by delivering award-winning digital apprenticeships at our state-of-the-art training facility in Cheltenham.

"With the rapidly evolving IT and cyber skills landscape, we firmly believe that apprenticeships are a great asset in employers' skills development strategies, and lead to growth, diversity and innovation.

"We only have a limited number of places available for this exclusive package of support for local employers, and we expect these to get snapped up quickly. If you're an employer looking to put your business at the forefront of industry skills and trends, get in touch with our team today to join Tech Talent Lab."