IT solutions business D2NA has taken on five new graduates through a partnership with North Staffordshire's two universities.
The Stoke-on-Trent company received support from Staffordshire University and Keele University – which both provide IT degree courses – to find its latest recruits.
As part of the courses, students are given the opportunity to work with employers such as D2NA and other local IT firms, giving them hands-on, practical experience.
Now D2NA has welcomed five new graduates taking its total workforce to 18 – and is on the look out for one more.
The new starters – Gracie West, Reetu Rai, Anaida Fernando, Lauren Hill and Dom Bloor – have joined in various roles including project engineers, trainee technical account manager, security consultant and infrastructure engineer.
D2NA founder Graham Doyle said: "One of the reasons I started D2NA over 15 years ago was because I felt more could be done to give young people the opportunities they need to shine.
"One of the principles of D2NA is to nurture our own team and build from within, meaning we give talented young people opportunities to grow rapidly, so they can provide great value to the world. The work we are doing with both universities is very much part of what makes that possible."
University representatives have welcomed D2NA’s efforts to provide work experience and job opportunities to students and graduates.
Chris Howard, cyber security course director at Staffordshire University, said: "D2NA have been instrumental in the way that the Department of Computing at Staffordshire University develop and implement their curricula.
"They have provided excellent advice on new course developments and the technical skills required for graduate employment.
"They have also engaged directly with our students providing guest lectures, case studies and guidance towards the student’s assessment in the second year of their degree course.
"This direct support by D2NA engineers is and will continue to give our students an enormous advantage in not only their studies but in their future employment."
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Terry Dray, director of employability and employer engagement at Keele University, added: "Keele University is working hard to support students, graduates and the local economy by forging mutually beneficial relationships with dynamic businesses like D2NA.
"At Keele, we are re-imagining placements and experiential learning to allow greater access for more students and organisations. We are always delighted to work with D2NA to support local student and graduate talent."
