BBC and DWP launch scheme to create 5,000 digital traineeships
The government-funded scheme is currently being trialled in Birmingham but is due to launch nationally this summer.
Over six weeks of classroom training "delivered by high quality external training providers around the country", trainees will learn basic digital skills such as setting up websites, running social media campaigns or creating short videos online.
They will also learn employability skills like budgeting, team working and project management. The programme draws on existing training offered to BBC employees, developed by the BBC Academy.
Following the classroom training, trainees will go on to do a three-week work placement with a UK firm. The BBC is yet to announce which companies will offer work experience to the trainees. However it said the programme has been designed "to be highly relevant to the small and medium business sector, where we know these skills are in short supply across the UK".
The DWP will help to identify candidates through its 750-strong jobcentre network across the UK. Suitable jobseekers will be invited to participate by their work coaches.
Participating firms will be sourced with the help of partners like the Tech Partnership, the Federation of Small Businesses and the National Apprenticeship Service, the BBC said in a statement.
Candidates who demonstrate strong potential will be encouraged to apply for one of BBC's 12-month apprenticeships.
The scheme is a major component of the BBC's 'Make it Digital' initiative to encourage young people to pursue coding, creative and digital technology careers.
BBC director general Tony Hall said: "We've already hit our target of having apprentices make up one per cent of our workforce. I'm immensely proud of that, but we need to keep on showing leadership, and keep on bringing people together in a way which only the BBC can.
"Our new Make it Digital Traineeship is a hugely ambitious partnership, one we hope will unlock Britain's digital potential and create genuinely life-changing opportunities for young people."
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