The Impact of Apprenticeships at C4DI: Empowering Local Talent
Based in the heart of Hull, C4DI is a tech hub all about nurturing local talent and driving economic growth. One of the ways they’re doing this is through employing apprentices from the local area.
It’s a chance for young people to dive head-first into the world of technology and innovation, developing skills that align perfectly with what modern businesses need right now. Working hand-in-hand with HBTC for recruitment and training, C4DI found the perfect candidates who not only fit into their mission but also brought some fresh, exciting ideas to the table.
Take Ellie, for example. Having just completed her apprenticeship, she’s now a permanent Projects Assistant at C4DI, working on various initiatives for corporate partners and helping to manage their projects. Then there’s Kaitlin, who’s responsible for keeping the reception area buzzing and managing event programming for the C4DI community as the Front of House and Events Assistant.
Having apprentices around, like Ellie and Kaitlin, has brought a breath of fresh air to the workplace at C4DI. Linsey Brown, the Head of Partnerships, explained how they refined their onboarding process, “we structured our onboarding more rigorously, provided mentorship, and regularly reviewed our training plans to enhance their relevance and effectiveness. This approach not only supported the apprentices’ growth but also improved our team’s overall skill development and communication.”
Ellie and Kaitlin have contributed significantly to the C4DI community. They raised over £1,400 for MacMillan during a coffee morning in collaboration with Nibble. Ellie also helped implement a new digital visitor check-in system at C4DI’s Hull and Northallerton sites, creating detailed training documents to ensure that the rest of the staff were all on board.
Their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Linsey is sure that both Ellie and Kaitlin have bright futures at C4DI; “Given their keen interest and demonstrated skills, Ellie in project management and Kaitlin in digital marketing, they are well-positioned to excel in these areas.”
As for other local businesses thinking about hiring apprentices? Linsey says, “Do not hesitate! Apprentices can bring fresh perspectives, new skills, and a strong desire to learn, all of which can invigorate your team and contribute positively to your business operations.”
C4DI’s investment in apprentices shows just how valuable they can be. By nurturing young talent, you can drive innovation, support community growth, and build a dynamic workforce ready to tackle whatever comes next. Just like Ellie and Kaitlin, apprentices are full of energy, ideas, and skills that can make a real difference in your team.
If you want to find out more about how apprentices can help your business, leave your details below and we’ll give you a call to discuss your needs!
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Laura Murray
Laura is our IT & Design Officer and is involved in anything IT or design related. She is also the supervisor of the Admin Team who keep things running smoothly here at HBTC. Laura is dedicated to ensuring systems and processes run as effortlessly as possible in the most visually appealing way.