MIDDLESBROUGH College is taking part in a new partnership that will see young people use their digital skills to earn a career with businesses.

Up to 50 “digital apprenticeships” will be created in a link-up between the college and the Digital Youth Academy, a project set up by entrepreneur Penny Power.

Apprentices who have grown up with digital developments such as social media will be able to use their understanding to help businesses.

They will also learn from tutors trained by the Digital Youth Academy.

Mastering social media is increasingly becoming important to businesses, but many find it hard to develop and refine the skills necessary to be effective.

The project is designed to tap into a generation which has grown up with social media and use that to create opportunities for them in an increasingly tricky job market.

College principal and chief executive Mike Hopkins said: “We believe by delivering the first official DYA apprenticeships we are showing the rest of the UK the way forward and providing vital jobs for the ‘born digital’ generation of young people by linking them with businesses who need their skills.

“Many firms understand they should be making the most of digital and social media to further their businesses but don’t have the skills or expertise.

“Digital media is here to stay and the establishment of the DYA in the Tees Valley provides a new way to turn young people’s digital strengths and interests into robust jobs and thriving careers.

“With youth unemployment running at high levels nationally, apprenticeships such as the ones we are launching provide an excellent, hands-on route for young people setting out to create exciting careers for themselves.”