IT Apprenticeships in Education
Boost Your Team and Your Career with Free Microsoft-Certified Digital Skills Training
Businesses and residents across Tees Valley can upskill in crucial digital skills free of charge.
Focus on laptop in empty company financial department
Free Microsoft-certified training in the Tees Valley
Baltic Apprenticeships are excited to announce a programme of free, Microsoft-certified digital skills training for the Tees Valley area.
With the demand for digital skills greater than ever, we are offering employers, employees and residents the opportunity to advance their business and their career by upskilling in digital, cloud, data and security free of charge.
With five fully funded courses to choose from, our programme aims to support innovation across the region and address a critical skills shortage – preparing the region’s workforce for the digital revolution.
Because these courses are fully funded, there is no cost to either the employer or the learner – the only requirements are that those taking part are aged 19 and over and have a Tees Valley postcode.
UPCOMING COURSES:
Monday, 24th November 2025:
This course introduces learners to the essential tools and functions of Microsoft Excel, covering data management, formulas, and visualisation techniques to improve accuracy, efficiency, and reporting in everyday business tasks.
Monday, 24th November 2025:
This course introduces learners to the key features and benefits of Microsoft 365 services. It includes cloud concepts, core Microsoft 365 services, pricing models, and compliance with security standards.
Monday, 1st December 2025:
This offers an introduction to Microsoft Azure’s data services, providing learners with the foundational knowledge needed to navigate the cloud platform’s powerful data capabilities. Designed for those looking to understand Azure’s role in data storage, processing, and analytics, this course covers a variety of essential topics that will help businesses unlock the full potential of their data.
Wednesday, 10th December 2025:
This course introduces learners to the essential tools and functions of Microsoft Excel, covering data management, formulas, and visualisation techniques to improve accuracy, efficiency, and reporting in everyday business tasks.
Monday, 15th December 2025:
This course introduces learners to the key features and benefits of Microsoft 365 services. It includes cloud concepts, core Microsoft 365 services, pricing models, and compliance with security standards.
Monday, 12th January 2026:
This course introduces learners to the essential tools and functions of Microsoft Excel, covering data management, formulas, and visualisation techniques to improve accuracy, efficiency, and reporting in everyday business tasks.
Wednesday, 14th January 2026:
This course introduces learners to the key features and benefits of Microsoft 365 services. It includes cloud concepts, core Microsoft 365 services, pricing models, and compliance with security standards.
Monday, 19th January 2026:
SC-900 teaches the basics of security,
compliance, and identity (SCI) solutions within Microsoft cloud services. It includes an overview of key concepts in security and compliance across Azure and Microsoft 365
Monday, 26th January 2026:
This offers an introduction to Microsoft Azure’s data services, providing learners with the foundational knowledge needed to navigate the cloud platform’s powerful data capabilities. Designed for those looking to understand Azure’s role in data storage, processing, and analytics, this course covers a variety of essential topics that will help businesses unlock the full potential of their data.
Apply for your place now:
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Upskilling local people and businesses
The courses are designed to provide minimal disruption to business operations, delivered online over the course of two days, followed by an official exam – completion of which will earn participants an official Microsoft certification. The training is delivered live, so participants will be able to ask questions, receive feedback and pick the brains of our expert coaches in an accessible and supportive learning environment.
This is a unique opportunity for businesses to develop their workforce, increase retention and boost morale by offering professional growth – and for people across the region to progress their skills and their career by earning industry-recognised certifications.
The flexibility of the courses means employees can gain valuable, job-relevant skills without stepping away from their day-to-day responsibilities for long – making it easy for businesses to invest in their people and for individuals to build towards promotion.
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Skills employers are looking for
Because the courses are designed to match the roles actively recruited in the market, they offer people out of work or between job roles an opportunity to improve their skills in a way that is aligned with employer demand. And because we’re also experts at matching the right people to the right roles, we can help you take the next step on your employment journey.
For many, this could be an apprenticeship, taking everything you’ve learned on our short course as a starting point in a new digital career. Our in-house recruitment team specialises in sourcing and placing apprentices into the right job role, ensuring a successful placement for both apprentice and employer.
If you feel like an apprenticeship isn’t the right step for you, though, we can still assist. Baltic is partnered with specialist recruitment agencies, and we proactively connect our learners to local job opportunities through our network.