A BURNLEY based tech business has launched a brand-new apprenticeship academy.

The +24 Academy will be the country’s first fully digital apprenticeship course and will be designed and delivered by industry professionals.

The course will give apprentices advanced education in the latest marketing trends and allow professionals to impart expert knowledge and practical skills.

+24 managing director Dave Walker said: “Apprentices are set to play an even more vital role in helping businesses thrive and grow.”

He added: “This new initiative is the first of its kind, we have a dedicated team of professionals working round-the-clock to analyse the digital marketing sphere in order to produce the most up-to-date learning materials ever seen.”

Mr Walker believes that, the coronavirus pandemic having devastated huge sectors of the economy, with young people’s prospects particularly hard hit, apprenticeships will be crucial to both the national and local economy’s recovery.

As such, +24 Academy students will learn current and essential digital skills that are key to the country’s future development, which the company hopes will allow Britain to regain its position at the top of the world’s digital landscape.

The first apprenticeship course +24 Academy are launching is the digital marketer standard level 3 and a host of other digital skills such as cyber security will follow.

Alongside the apprenticeships will be some shorter, tailored digital skills courses which are in high demand as the UK's workforce looks to improve their digital skills.

The digital syllabus, designed by industry professionals and leading experts, can be swiftly changed to reflect new industry standards, and materials included, to support colleges and training providers deliver the skilled courses.

As well as having access to continuously updated content, apprentices can take free additional courses, including lessons in coding, print design and social media management, and they can track their own progress through an interactive dashboard.

Mr Walker said: “The beauty of our system is that even current employees can also enrol on the course, and our experts know the newest industry standards, because they are on the front line of the digital age daily, and share that knowledge with the apprentices.

“We are here to eradicate the digital skills gap.”

Former apprentices meanwhile, speak highly of the programme.

Former apprentice Elly Littler said: “I was hired as a digital marketing apprentice, and it was the best move I could have taken for my career, because the programme helped me learn and understand the theory behind work-related tasks.

“I’ve gained more opportunities for career progression since completing the course, as it allowed me to extend my knowledge further and develop new skills that I can bring into the workplace.”

To find out more, go to: www.24academy.co.uk.