Location: I’m based at The Catalyst in Newcastle City centre, but my role covers the entirety of the North East region.

What does your role involve?

In a nutshell, I work with a team of Baltic staff to support the North East’s digital skills needs via apprenticeships. I’m responsible for Baltic’s overall regional strategy in the North East, finding ways to connect with local businesses, understand your priorities around digital skills, and come up with exciting solutions to your staff development challenges.

What skills, experience or services can you offer North East businesses?

I’ve been working in the tech apprenticeships sector for the best part of ten years - eight of them with Baltic! I’ll channel this experience and expertise around the digital economy into understanding the digital skills requirements of local employers.  

What’s the best bit about your job?

I’m all about the big picture: supporting the next generation of tech talent into the digital economy.

What’s your North East hidden gem?

Our coastline.

Potentially divisive… but what’s your North East football allegiance?

Newcastle United

What’s your favourite local landmark?

St James’ Park. It’s less than 5 minutes away from our hub in The Catalyst… perfect planning.

What’s your go-to Karaoke tune?

Many witnesses could attest to the fact that I can’t sing, but I did learn a bit of guitar a few years ago.

What does the future hold for the North East tech sector?

The North East’s tech sector is now on the map due to all the hard work that businesses have done over the last decade. It’s getting stronger, but if we don’t invest in digital skills we will hit crisis point. Upskilling, retraining, and investing in young people is an absolute must if we’re to move forward and continue to grow.

How can a Baltic Apprentice change the world?

One step at a time. We must continue to invest in our future by creating sustainable opportunities for the next generation of tech talent.