Power play – but the region ’ s games industry is big business .
HOW TO BREAK INTO DIGITAL CAREERS HERE IN THE TEES VALLEY
You don ’ t have to go the traditional route to start working in tech . University can be helpful , but it ’ s not the only option . Here ’ s some advice based on what I ’ ve seen work :
THE SKILLS YOU NEED ( FROM SOMEONE WHO ’ S BEEN THERE )
Based on my own experience , here ’ s what I think matters most :
Coding : Tech is built on code . If you want to work on AI , web or app development , it ’ s essential . This is the point where most people go : “ Ah , right – okay – tech isn ’ t for me , I guess .”
But , honestly , if you can keep up a Duolingo streak for a few weeks or figure out Vlookups in Excel , then you ’ re entirely capable of learning to code . Don ’ t let it intimidate you . Look at Stockton Riverside College , Code Academy or TVCA ’ s Digital Skills programmes .
Creativity : Coding alone isn ’ t enough . As much as my CTO ( chief technical officer ) might disagree , we can ’ t get by with just a room full of developers . We need people who can think outside the box , especially in areas like game design and virtual reality .
Master tools like Adobe Creative Suite , Figma and Unity to make your ideas come to life . Look at courses at Teesside University , the Northern School of Art or mima ( Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art ).
Problem-solving : Every day in tech , you ’ ll come across challenges . But the ability to solve problems efficiently is what will set you apart .
I ’ ve seen team members thrive simply because they ’ re quick on their feet and never give up . This is a skill that can be developed anywhere . The key is to spend your time doing challenging work , whether that ’ s writing a thesis or helping customers in a call centre .
Teamwork : One of the biggest lessons I ’ ve learned as a chief executive officer is that no one succeeds alone .
At Alt Labs , collaboration is key . You ’ ll need to be a strong communicator and a good organiser , especially if you want to move into project management or Scrum leadership .
There are plenty of places in the Tees Valley offering everything from Masters level courses through to free workshops on leadership , but in my opinion there ’ s no substitute for real experience . Sports teams , shift managers , club leaders – it all counts .
Apprenticeships : Tons of companies offer apprenticeships . It ’ s a great way to earn while you learn and gain practical , realworld experience . You ’ ll get to see firsthand how the industry works and what ’ s expected of you . Check out the North East Local Enterprise Partnership ( LEP ).
Bootcamps and online courses : You don ’ t have to spend thousands on a degree . There are countless online courses and coding bootcamps - many of them free or affordable - that can get you up to speed . These cover everything I ’ ve mentioned above and more besides . Just make sure it ’ s from a reputable provider .
University and college courses : Look at digital or IT courses . They provide hands-on training and can fast-track you into a tech role . We ’ ve hired talented people straight from these programmes .
I ’ ve mentioned a few options , but I ’ ve barely scratched the surface for what ’ s available .
The Tees Valley is full of opportunities for those who are willing to grab them . The digital revolution is happening right here and I ’ m proud to be a part of it .
I HOPE YOU ’ LL JOIN US AND SEE WHERE YOUR SKILLS CAN TAKE YOU .
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