An island software company is playing a role in helping people find jobs and training opportunities across the Northern Powerhouse area in the UK.

PDMS, based at Global House on the Isle of Man Business Park, is supporting north of England residents with an employability and skills platform.

The firm has been awarded a contract by the NP11 - a group of all 11 northern local enterprise partnerships - to provide employment, apprenticeships and training opportunities via its dedicated platform called SignedUp Skills, across the whole of the north of England.

A spokesman said the SignedUp Skills platform will make it easier for those across the NP11 area, who have been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, to find new employment and training opportunities. The platform sits behind a dedicated website for each NP11 region and features real-time job vacancies, training courses, and apprenticeship opportunities.

Chris Gledhill, managing director of PDMS, said: ’Throughout the pandemic, technology has allowed us to stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues.

’As we enter a new phase of this crisis, we can draw upon our software expertise to now connect people with new employment and training opportunities.

’We’re delighted to be partnering with the NP11 in this pilot project which creates a platform to transform the lives of its users for the future and establishes a new starting point for labour market interventions.’

Speaking before the second UK lockdown was announced,Roger Marsh, chairman of the NP11 and Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: ’With many of our communities throughout the North now under government restrictions, many people and businesses find themselves facing an uncertain economic future.

’Now more than ever, to achieve a confident North with the skills it needs to thrive.’