It's back to school for Code Computerlove

Having been disappointed in the education system's digital offering, Code Computerlove MD Tony Foggett has created 'The Institute of Computerlove' to foster digital talent.

The Institute of Computerlove is a mentoring and continual programme of development for design students during their final year at university or college (year two for foundation degree).

Code has already taken on five students from Salford University (just outside Manchester) currently being mentored by the design team, and is looking for new recruits for the next school year's intake.

Code Computerlove Managing Director Tony Foggett said: "The exchange is, Code gives students feedback and advice on their final year projects, provides work experience and offers career coaching to ready them for employment.

"In return we get to see the best talent around and encourage students to get into digital marketing for agencies in the North West.

"The scheme will also give us personal satisfaction if our little prodigies go on to do great things".

Each student picked for the scheme is assigned a mentor from Code's design team, headed by Wini Tse, who will provide face to face, email or telephone support and reviews - at least two hours bimonthly.

Code also funds attendance to all of the Manchester DandAD president's lectures, any entry fees into competitions or awards, plus other industry events that would benefit student's knowledge.

Students also benefit from two weeks' work experience in the agency, plus part-time work throughout the year as applicable; they have access to Code's industry leading research libraries, online training, software know-how and other training events; and of course they get to be included in some top agency nights out to see just what working for a digital marketing agency is all about.

Foggett added: "The digital industry has a real need for experience and talented people to feed its massive growth, and it's even more acute in the North West, so we wanted to do our bit to encourage young creatives into digital marketing.

"It's difficult enough for 'the industry' to keep up with ever evolving advancements and the fast technological changes, but for educational establishments it's a massive challenge as well.

"The more we can do to support it the better.

"We are doing this because we want to lead the way and support the educational establishments, with whom we already work closely, to develop the talent of the future.

"We want the North West to continue to grow as a digital city and be recognised as a leading light in the UK for everything new media, but we have to invest in our future.

"Manchester's Higher Education bodies have not kept up with planning for the digital industry; the cogs have started to turn to improve schooling for digital talent, and Salford has now got a much needed digital course.

"But there's still more to be done - agencies need to take action and help develop the talent in the region before it's too late.

"As a region we also have to work harder than London, and other marketing industries, to attract, train and retain talent.

"We know we might not be able give everyone who passes through our doors a job, but hopefully we will develop a network of talented young designers who we can keep in the region and improved their chance of getting one with some of our friends.

"We have a great network in Manchester and throughout the UK, and would see it as a personal failure if our students didn't go on to get a job at the end of the year".

Code already works with Skillset North, North West Vision and Media, Salford University, City College, Stockport College, Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester Business School.

Tony Foggett sits on the board of Skillset North's Industry panel and teaches on the foundation course at Salford City College.

Code offers comprehensive on-the-job training to all staff - from in-house classes to IPA exams.

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