Menai Science Park (M-SParc) in Anglesey has welcomed the first recruit to its Skills Academy, designed to assist young people into careers in the digital sector.

This week, M-SParc welcomed Kieran Hughes, a Bangor University computer science graduate from Caernarfon, to the team joining as a software developer to help drive forward a number of exciting projects underway at the park.

The challenges Welsh companies face in recruiting to the digital sector are well known, and M-SParc, working with the Regional Skills Partnership, is helping to tackle those issues with the Skills Academy.

The Skills Academy will provide opportunities not only for graduates, but for undergraduates in the form of degree apprenticeships, work opportunities for people who are under-employed or who wish to upskill, and those wanting a career change.

M-SParc managing director, Pryderi ap Rhisiart said: “We, like so many other companies, have seen a significant shortage of talent and skills within digital, and establishing the Skills Academy was our response.

“We’re very excited to have welcomed Kieran to M-SParc as the academy’s first recruit this week, and he has already hit the ground running with his enthusiasm and attention to detail in this exciting software developer role.

“We look forward to seeing the academy grow and creating an opportunity for young people to be nurtured in the sector, and we hope Kieran will be the first of many recruits who can take full advantage of what the Skills Academy has to offer.”

Excited about the opportunity to join the M-SParc Skills Academy, Kieran added: “It is great that M-SParc are offering opportunities like this to young people such as myself, and I’m very excited to begin my role as software developer this week as part of the Skills Academy.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of many exciting projects over the coming months, developing my skills as a software developer, and getting a great experience of the workplace, which will only help me prepare for a future career in the industry.”

Iestyn Pierce, head of Bangor University’s school of computer science and engineering, said: “It’s always a pleasure to see our graduates gaining employment when they leave the university and to hear that Kieran is the first member of the academy at M-SParc.

“We work hard to support graduates to be ready for employment by giving them not only the technical skills, but the softer, employability skills that industry requires.”