Employers & educators getting their heads together to give freshers a route into digital careers

DEVELOPING SKILLS: Hull University Business School

By Rick Lyon

A digital marketing company which is driving the development of essential skills in the sector will this week showcase the opportunities to freshers arriving to start their courses at the University of Hull.

43 Clicks North, based in the Old Town of Hull, will join other businesses to present a Hackathon as part of Hull University Business School’s “Enter the World of Business” event which is a highlight of the Welcome Week.

Mike Ellis, managing director of 43 Clicks North and a University of Hull alumnus, said his company’s presence will strengthen links which have already provided students with experience in the digital marketing workplace through the series of Power Hour events.

Dr Fannie Yeung, senior lecturer in marketing, director of student experience at Hull University Business School, said the Welcome Week will bring more than 20 businesses onto the campus to start building relationships between employers and the new intake.

The Hackathon will take place in the Allam Sports Centre at the University of Hull on Friday 22 September. Among the other organisations taking part are Arco, Connexin, Designs Signage Solutions and Hull Kingston Rovers. Public sector participants include East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Invest Hull.

The 43 Clicks North Power Hour takes place every three months at Social in Humber Street, Hull, and works to develop the region’s digital sector by bringing in experts from top marketing agencies across the north. The first Power Hour took place in 2019 and this year’s events – numbers six and seven in the series – have been opened up to University of Hull students.

PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES: Mike Ellis, managing director of 43 Clicks North

Mike said: “One of the reasons we launched 43 Clicks North was to provide opportunities for local people to get into the digital world. That includes students so we have been developing links with the University of Hull on a number of fronts.

“It’s so important that young people living and working in Hull are informed about the career opportunities that are here on their doorstep. Our message to students arriving in our city is that the digital sector here is thriving, there are some great agencies collaborating to make it even better and there’s no need to head off to agencies in the bigger cities after graduation.

“We expect the new arrivals to fall in love with Hull as they settle in, and we want them to know they can find rewarding lives and careers by staying here.”

The “Enter the World of Business” event is in its second year and is designed to highlight the talent pipeline within the Business School and bolster students’ job prospects by connecting them with employers. The businesses will take part in the Hackathon to present real-world challenges around generative AI, sustainability and innovation.

Dr Yeung said: “The aim is to foster impactful engagements that enhance job readiness by giving students industry insights. Business partners like 43 Clicks North amplify these benefits, providing invaluable experiences, extensive networks, and mentorship that guide students along career paths.

“It is a symbiotic relationship where businesses empower future professionals, and students infuse fresh perspectives, creating a win-win synergy that drives progress in both education and industry.”