BUSINESSES in the North East are being offered support to recruit staff thanks to the DigitalCity Innovation (DCI) industry placement scheme.
Small or medium-sized business, not necessarily in the digital sector, can receive support to place a graduate employee with digital technology expertise in Teesside University’s DCI scheme.
The scheme helps with recruitment costs and gives a 50% subsidy against salary costs for 26 weeks, of up to £135 per week.
Coatsink Software, based at Middlesbrough’s Boho One building, used the initiative earlier this year to employ digital artist Nick Peacock.
Managing director Tom Beardsmore said: “We got valuable help with the recruitment process, which can be extremely costly, together with the confidence that we’d get a skilled employee.
“We've always had a great relationship with DCI and this scheme cemented that. It helped us take on a talented new artist and develop his skills along with our abilities and scope as a company.”
Peacock said: “I was desperate to find a job in the games industry because of my passion for digital art.
“The industry placement scheme was my way in and I couldn't be more grateful for it. The people at DigitalCity are willing to help without ever being imposing, allowing me to make the most of the opportunity and really do it justice.” To qualify for the funding, it must be a company’s intention to employ the graduate full time for a minimum of 12 months. DCI also provides six hours of training in an area relevant for a business’ needs, from project management to communication skills and market intelligence.
Cheryl Evans, project manager for DCI at Teesside University, said: “The industry placement scheme is proving to be really successful with both companies and students.
“It really helps digital businesses to find the right graduate for their company, while at the same time cutting recruitment costs.
“For the student it gives them their first full-time graduate job with a company that is directly matched with the skills they have to offer.”
