Routes to Recruitment: Tech Talent Engine Event

The skills gap is a common issue we can all relate to. Whether it’s filling vacancies, hiring quality talent, or retaining staff, workplaces are currently experiencing a candidate shift.

As a result of this shortage, many companies are considering alternative routes to recruitment.

A couple of weeks ago, we hosted our Routes to Recruitment Event with Newcastle College, Baltic Apprenticeships, Tech Talent Ready, Durham University and TrueNorth. In case you missed it, here’s everything we learned.

As technology continues to advance, the demand for talented individuals continues to rise.

This misalignment between employers’ requirements and the actual qualifications of candidates has caused companies to face difficulties in filling essential roles, resulting in project delays and impeding their growth potential.

So, how do we fix the skills gap?

Newcastle College offers strong partnerships in technology and works with leading industry organisations such as Accenture, Dynamo North Eat, Bede Gaming, DXC and many more.

Veronica Spowart, Director of Digital and Creative Industries, explained the different pathways employers can find talent:

• T Levels – a multifaceted choice for school leaders. This is an opportunity for employers to collaborate with schools and colleges offering T Level programmes to establish relationships and gain access to skilled and motivated students.
• Apprenticeships – utilising the Apprenticeship Levy to access talented individuals and support them throughout the early stages of their careers.
• Bespoke programmes - Tailored education for industry needs. Access to fully-funded courses in a wide range of sectors, specifically designed to upskill your workforce.

Skills bootcamps are collaboratively designed with local businesses, educational institutions, and governing bodies, to address local skills shortages and job openings.

Natalie Lamport, Skills Programme Specialist at Sunderland Software City, helps to deliver the programme and explains how it works:

• Between 2-16 weeks in duration and ranges from Level 2 to Level 5.
• For adults aged 19+ with the right to work in the UK.
• Approximately 200 different skills bootcamps in the North East with 47% of these being in technology.
• DevOps Technical Bootcamp – fast track to an interview for a full-time role with a leading employer in the North East.
• Skills Bootcamp in Business Support – a two-week full-time bootcamp.
• Work Experience – two weeks with a North East employer, complete a presentation and be offered the opportunity of a job at the end of the interview.

Durham University is a world top 100 university and is best known for its partnerships with leading organisations.

Donna Carr, Work Based Learning Manager, explains how Durham University uses these connections to help the North East ecosystem.

• Work experience programme options – summer internship, spring internship and placement year for students.
• Graduate opportunities – graduate scheme, direct entry graduate role or graduate internship.
• Internship impact (DICE project) – 72% of internships match funded and supported.
• Vacancy advertising service – free for employers to advertise their jobs to current students & registered graduates.

To fill vacancies, it’s a good idea to work with a recruitment agency on a long-term basis so you can find talented individuals that meet the needs of your business all year round.

Usman Shahid, Associate Director, shares why working with a recruitment agency is a great idea:

• Speciality – recruiters have access to an unlimited supply of resources, meaning they can find individuals at a much higher rate.
• Strong networks – with an extensive network of contacts of potential canddiates, recruiters can access a higher cohort of individuals.
• Market insights – recruiters can often provide valuable market insights, such as salary trends, competitor hiring practices and other relevant information.

After reading this article, we hope it’s clear that there are multiple pathways to filling vacancies. Whether it’s using the Apprenticeship Levy, working with Tech Talent Ready, utilising internships or hiring a recruiter, there’s a solution for every concern.

If you’re a business in the North East of England that is looking to upscale and become a recognised thought leader, then allow us to help you in achieving your goals. Tech Talent Engine works with a cohort of employers, candidates and education providers.

Simply register a free account today to get started.