Hays and Multiverse launch apprenticeship academy to tackle national digital skills challenges

The launch comes as difficulty in accessing talent continues to be a key concern for employers - with 95% of tech employers experiencing skills shortages in 2023, according to data from the Hays UK Salary Guide. Hays is working with Multiverse to co-deliver the ‘Data Analysis and Business Transformation Academy’ which empowers undiscovered talent with skills such as data analytics, communication, machine learning and project management, through level 4 apprenticeships.

Those who successfully join the academy are paid during the initial training period, which is front-loaded into a 10–12-week intensive bootcamp at the start of the apprenticeship.

Upon completing the bootcamp, individuals will work at Hays' partner organisations for the remainder of their apprenticeship, gaining accelerated experience within a variety of different markets whilst delivering impact and transformation for the organisations they are deployed with. Each apprentice taking part in the academy will also have the opportunity to go on to gain further qualifications and secure a £10,000 bonus upon successfully completing the 2-year programme.

The first cohort of individuals have already enrolled in the academy in January, with a further 25 enrolling in March.

Harry Gooding, Director of Skills and Learning at Hays, said: "This new academy is a game-changer in the talent world and offers the chance for businesses to access much needed skills from individuals who can create real value from day one.

For the individuals, it’s an opportunity to access world-class training, regardless of qualifications – enabling high potential people from all backgrounds to thrive at the most exciting companies.”

Peppa Wise, VP GTM at Multiverse, said: "Our mission is to provide equitable access to economic opportunity for everyone - and this new academy from Hays will enable people to access world-class training and unlock great careers, regardless their educational background or career history."

The academy fits as part of Hays’ Skills and Learning offering which provides an alternative route for individuals to access tech careers, widening access to high skilled roles for undiscovered talent from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The training is delivered collaboratively by Hays and Multiverse. Multiverse is a tech company focused on high-quality education and training through a unique professional apprenticeship model. Multiverse delivers apprenticeships in areas such as software engineering and data analytics.