Summary
Manchester Digital's new Switchboard service acts as a matching platform between tech employers and candidates seeking early-career opportunities. Employers register what they can offer—from short placements to apprenticeships—while Manchester Digital identifies suitable candidates, makes matches and provides practical support throughout the process.
Nine employers have already signed up, including ElevAIte, hackajob, Nexer Group, Slalom and Datum Datacentres. Katie Gallagher OBE, Managing Director of Manchester Digital, said most companies can offer something even if they cannot commit to permanent roles, and that the service removes barriers particularly for smaller firms by allowing placements to be split across multiple employers with Manchester Digital providing supervision.
The launch follows the Prime Minister's announcement to extend the region's MBacc technical education pathway across England, and signals that public procurement will increasingly require suppliers to demonstrate social value including employment and training opportunities. Manchester Digital is urging tech firms bidding for public contracts to build meaningful placements into their business model now rather than waiting for tenders.
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This is a summary written for the Manchester Business Services register. The full article belongs to Manchester Digital — read it at source.
Common questions
- What is this article about?
- Manchester Digital has launched Switchboard, a service that streamlines how technology employers across Greater Manchester can offer work experience, internships, apprenticeships and mentoring to early-career candidates. The scheme addresses regional skills gaps as one million young people nationally remain outside education, employment or training.
- When was this published?
- This article was published on 6 August 2026.
- Who published this article?
- This article was published by Manchester Digital.