Nexer Digital has partnered with Manchester-based Digital Skills Training Charity, Digital Advantage to improve inclusivity in the tech industry.
The collaboration will help provide meaningful work placements and opportunities for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), helping them move towards careers in the creative and digital sectors.
Nexer Digital has appointed its first successful candidate, who started this month. Ryan Hill, 20 (pictured), will work two days a week until the end of the year, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
The initiative will give students practical knowledge to prepare them for future careers in the digital industry. As a human-centered design agency, Nexer Digital will cover a range of disciplines, including user research, user experience design, software development, testing, and accessibility.
As well as offering work placements, Nexer Digital will deliver sessions on web accessibility and usability testing at DISC, the Digital Independent Specialist College in Manchester, run by Digital Advantage.
Ezra Rushen, Director of Training at Digital Advantage, said: “We are incredibly excited to partner with Nexer on this innovative collaboration. At Digital Advantage, our mission is to empower young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to pursue meaningful careers in the digital and creative industries. By working with Nexer, our interns will gain invaluable hands-on experience and insight into the tech industry. This partnership will help us bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that our interns are well-prepared to thrive in an inclusive digital workforce.”
The initiative is part of Nexer Digital’s broader strategy to invest in equitable recruitment practices, including boot camps, placements, and apprenticeships in collaboration with organisations such as Love Circular, Diverse & Equal, and Manchester Digital.
Hilary Stephenson, Managing Director of Nexer Digital, said: “As a Disability Confident Employer, we’re committed to creating accessible and inclusive workplaces, as well as help shape a more equitable and diverse tech landscape.
“This partnership is a crucial step towards ensuring that young people with disabilities have the opportunities and support they need to succeed. We are so pleased to have offered our first placement and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on both the intern and our team.”
