As part of a new interview series, Matt Hyde, Director of Recruit121 and FinTech Awards Wales, talks to a whole host of professionals in and around Wales’ thriving FinTech Sector.
This week Matt caught up with Demi Necrews, Head of Partnerships & Engagement from iTeC Digital Training.
1. Can you tell us more about iTeC Digital Training and the types of programs and services you offer to support digital and technical skills development?
At ITeC Digital Training, we're all about shaping the future of Tech and digital skills in Wales. We offer a variety of programs, including apprenticeships in Digital Infrastructure, Cyber Security, and Software Development, as well as intensive bootcamps for quick upskilling. Our focus is on hands-on, coach-led training that really makes a difference for both apprentices and employers.
We partner with forward thinking organisations across all sectors to ensure our training meets different industry needs. Ultimately, we aim to bridge the skills gap while helping individuals grow in their careers.
2. How has iTeC Digital Training’s focus evolved over the years, especially with the growth of digital and Fintech industries?
Well, the working world has definitely changed a lot since COVID-19 hit and AI started making waves. At ITeC Digital Training, we've rolled with these changes rather than shying away from them. We've adapted our delivery methods to meet new needs and now we're offering key digital apprenticeship frameworks that are really making a difference. These programs are helping businesses tackle their skill gaps head-on and giving them a way to reinvest in their people. It's all about staying relevant and making sure our training actually solves real-world problems in the digital and fintech sectors.
3. What are some of the key industries that iTeC Digital Training serves, and how significant is Fintech in your overall strategy?
Tech and digital skills are in demand across the board these days. Every industry is going through some kind of digital transformation to keep up with new demand. But when it comes to Fintech, it's a real powerhouse in the Welsh economy. These Fintech businesses are always on the lookout for the latest tech and digital skills.
We're supporting the FinTech industry by offering Early talent, Upskilling and Reskilling programs. It's all about helping people adapt to these ever-changing tech needs. Fintech is definitely a key focus for us, given how important it is to our local economy. We're making sure our apprenticeships and training programs are geared up to meet the specific needs of the Fintech sector, alongside other industries. It's exciting stuff.
4. What sets iTeC Digital Training apart from other training providers in terms of preparing individuals for careers in the digital and Fintech sectors?
What really sets us apart at ITeC Digital Training is our focus on real-world experience. Our apprenticeship programs aren't just about studying – they're about getting hands-on experience in specific job roles. This is crucial in fast-moving sectors. We also believe in tailoring our programs to fit.
Every business and individual is different, so we customise our training to meet those specific needs. It's not one-size-fits-all with us. We also put an emphasis on developing soft skills like confidence and communication. So, we're all about practical experience, customised learning, and developing the whole picture.
5. What do you see as the key skills and knowledge areas that are becoming increasingly important for professionals in the Fintech sector?
When it comes to the Fintech sector, we're seeing a real shift in what skills are in high demand. First off, data skills are becoming absolutely crucial, everyone from clinical staff to buyers needs to be data-savvy these days. We see a huge emphasis on soft skills too. Emotional intelligence, empathy, kindness – these are becoming just as important as technical know-how.
In Fintech, you're often dealing with people's money and financial futures, so being able to understand and connect with stakeholders on an emotional level is key. So yeah, it's this combo of data skills and people skills that's really setting professionals apart in industries right now. It's an exciting mix, and it's changing the game in terms of how we train and develop talent.
6. How important is continuous learning and upskilling in the rapidly evolving Fintech industry, and how does iTeC Digital Training address this need?
Continuous learning used to be, and sometimes still is considered a luxury. But it's more of an essential than ever before. The industry's moving so fast, if you're not learning, you're not taking advantage of the latest developments. At ITeC Digital, we're all about keeping up with this rapid pace. We're constantly updating our curriculum to match what's happening in the real world. It's a cycle of developing, teaching, and then re-iterating. So, we see our role as not just training people for today's Fintech jobs but preparing them for tomorrow's challenges too. It can be a challenge, but it's what keeps the Fintech industry in Wales so dynamic and competitive on both a national and global scale.
7. What trends in Fintech are you most excited about, and how is iTeC Digital Training adapting its programs to prepare students for these developments?
There's so much exciting stuff happening right now. But if I had to pick, I'd say watching how AI is unfolding is fascinating. In FinTech we're seeing AI being used in all sorts of positive ways – from preventing fraud, to figuring out credit risks, and even giving personalised financial advice. We're in the process of tweaking our programs to make sure our students are ready for this AI-powered future.
We're also focusing on how to use AI ethically and responsibly in industry, it's crucial that our students understand both the potential and the challenges of these new technologies. Overall, we're pretty excited about the future of AI, and we're making sure our clients and students are ready to make the most of it.
8. What motivated iTeC Digital Training to sponsor the Apprentice of the Year category at the Fintech Awards Wales 2024?
We're all about nurturing new talent in the digital and IT sectors. So, when we saw this opportunity to sponsor the FinTech Awards Wales, it just felt like a perfect fit. The Apprentice of The Year Award is all about recognising outstanding individuals completing an apprenticeship. And that's exactly what we're passionate about! It's our way of saying, ‘Hey, we believe in you, and we can't wait to see what you're going to achieve.' It's all about supporting the next generation of Fintech stars in Wales!
9. How does this sponsorship align with iTeC Digital Training’s mission and values, particularly in supporting talent development?
This sponsorship really goes hand in hand with what we're all about at ITeC Digital Training. Our whole mission is about providing opportunities for everyone in this ever-changing working world. And let's face it, things have changed a lot, especially in the digital and Fintech space. It's all about recognising those up-and-coming stars who are embracing digital skills and making waves in Fintech, and showing the whole industry the value of apprenticeships and the amazing talent that's coming through.
10. How did you enjoy the interview and judging process
I really enjoyed the interview and judging process! Listening to our apprentices share their stories in such a vulnerable way was truly an honor. Hearing their ‘why’—what drives them and their aspirations—was incredibly inspiring. It's amazing to see how we’re impacting not just individual lives but also the communities they’re part of. Being involved in this process reminds me of why we do what we do at ITeC. It’s all about empowering people and helping them carve out their futures, and being part of that journey is a privilege.
11. Finally favourite book you have read and why
One of my favorite books is “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers. This book completely shifted my mindset. It’s all about facing your fears rather than letting them hold you back. Whenever I feel stuck or need a boost of inspiration, I turn to it, and it never fails to motivate me. It's my go-to resource that empowers me to take action, and embrace new challenges
