A training provider that delivers tech and digital skills across the country plans to create at least 50 new jobs following a £1m move into new premises.
Baltic Apprenticeships acquired Pioneer House in Darlington as its new head office - consolidating four previous locations on Aycliffe Business Park. The firm says the 175,000 sqft premises - bought with the support of a £435,000 Large Capital Grant from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority - will allow for ambitious growth plans.
Managing director Tony Hobbs said: “Due to rapid growth across all our departments, we knew we had to make the investment of a central hub to allow for sustainable expansion. Operating across four buildings was impacting our ability to coach new employees and build a collaborative culture.
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“This move into our new flagship HQ will allow us to create more job opportunities across the Tees Valley and grow our workforce further, as this is a key geographical location and opens a brand new talent pool.”
Mr Hobbs said the funding will enable to firm to create even more jobs. He added: “This grant is awarded to support the regional development of the Tees Valley Area and the creation of employment opportunities, and we have committed to creating a minimum of 48 new jobs.
“Already ahead of plan, we have nine new team members due to start soon and eight vacancies currently advertised.
“The grant being awarded now allows us to continue our growth plans. We are committing to creating one apprenticeship opportunity for every 15 new staff hired to help futureproof the North East’s digital landscape.”
Baltic Apprenticeships started in a temporary building in Hartlepool in 2006 and has since grown to employ 256, delivering apprenticeship programmes covering data, software development, IT and digital marketing. Mr Hobbs added: “We are rooted in the North East and are currently supporting hundreds of employers in the region and thousands of employers and learners nationally through our tech and digital apprenticeships.
“It’s no secret that the digital skills gap is continuing to cause big headaches for businesses in all sectors, and apprentices are increasingly a popular choice for businesses to future proof their skills needs. We continue to specialise, innovate and push the boundaries to play our part in solving the skills crisis.
“We are on track to double our apprentice numbers this year and achieve our ambitious growth plans, with our expert and passionate team members and now our new home for Baltic, there is no stopping us.
“Data is also a big growth area for all businesses and sectors at the moment. We have invested in our own data team, including several data apprentices, and more to come.”
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “It is brilliant to see Baltic Apprenticeships move into a bigger premises in our region and even better that the move is helping them create so many new jobs. It’s proof that giving post-Covid support to our brilliant local businesses is the right thing to do, to help meet their growth ambitions and boost our economy.
"Baltic Apprenticeships is yet another firm playing its part in supporting our all-important apprentices across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, equipping them with the skills they need to benefit from the good-quality, well-paid jobs we are creating in our ever-growing digital sector.”
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