A new partnership aims to enhance diversity in the tech industry.
- Nexer Digital teams up with Digital Advantage for inclusivity.
- The initiative focuses on young people with special needs.
- Hands-on experience will be central to the programme.
- The collaboration fosters equitable recruitment practices.
In a significant step towards inclusivity in technology, Nexer Digital has partnered with the Manchester-based training charity, Digital Advantage. This collaboration is designed to provide substantial work placements and opportunities specifically aimed at young individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Ryan Hill, a 20-year-old participant, has begun working with Nexer Digital, marking the initiative’s first successful placement. Working two days a week until the end of the year, Hill is set to gain substantial on-the-job experience, integrating practical knowledge with his training.
The programme offers students a comprehensive view of the tech industry, focusing on areas like user research, user experience design, software development, and testing. This approach is crafted to arm students with the skills necessary for future careers in creative and digital sectors.
Beyond work placements, Nexer Digital will conduct informative sessions on web accessibility and usability testing at the Digital Independent Specialist College (DISC) in Manchester, an institution run by Digital Advantage.
Ezra Rushen, Director of Training at Digital Advantage, emphasised the value of this collaboration: “We are incredibly excited to partner with Nexer on this innovative collaboration. At Digital Advantage, our mission is to empower young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to pursue meaningful careers in the digital and creative industries.”
Nexer Digital’s broader strategy includes engaging in equitable recruitment practices through boot camps, placements, and apprenticeships, in partnership with organisations like Love Circular, Diverse & Equal, and Manchester Digital.
Hilary Stephenson, Managing Director of Nexer Digital, remarked on the initiative’s significance, noting that as a Disability Confident Employer, Nexer is committed to fostering an accessible and inclusive workplace.
This partnership marks a forward-thinking step in bridging the gap between education and employment for young individuals with special needs.
