A North-East training provider is hosting an IT Apprenticeship forum for Sunderland firms in the city next week.

Baltic Training Services, which is based in County Durham but has training centres across the North of England, is inviting companies to attend the free two-hour discussion near the Glass Centre on Thursday January 26.

Baltic launched a scheme earlier this year which provides free accredited IT training for North-East employers who employ an IT Professional apprentice.

Now they’re offering Sunderland firms to take a no-obligation peek at what IT Apprenticeships can do for them during a free forum next week.

“The IT industry is fast-paced and dynamic, requiring a highly-skilled and knowledgeable workforce that will readily embrace emerging technologies and adapt to changing industry demands,” said Baltic Training’s Business Development Manager Phil Mordey.

“So to meet those demands, they can provide employers with fully-qualified and work ready apprentices to IT companies in the region as part of an exciting new campaign.

“IT Apprenticeships is low-cost and low-risk method of up-skilling and diversifying the workforce of the future. We take care of the entire apprentice recruitment process right up to the shortlist for final interviews.

“This provides the employer with significant cost savings in terms of recruitment fees whilst allowing them to make the final decision as to who will join the organisation.

“As we see it, working with employers to create opportunities like this are vital in supporting government agenda to reduce youth unemployment and crucial to developing skills that support economic growth.

“This free forum is a fantastic opportunity for firms in Sunderland to come and have a look at what we’re all about and what Apprenticeships can do for them.”

Anyone who’d like to attend the forum, which will run from 8.30-10.30am at Bizspace in the North Sands Business Centre, can call Victoria Cartwright on 01325 731062, or email v.cartwright@baltictraining.com