Atom bank, the UK’s first bank built exclusively for smartphone and tablet, has today announced a new four-year partnership with The Prince’s Trust as their leading Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) partner in the North East.

The North East has one of the highest levels of youth unemployment in the UK, with more than one in ten young people (14.6%) currently not in work, and a report from The Prince’s Trust reveals that 48% of young people in the North East don’t feel prepared to enter the workforce.

Through investment in programmes and centres in the region, the partnership aims to address the critical digital skills gap and reduce the risk of disadvantaged young people becoming increasingly isolated and pushed further from the job market.

Atom and The Prince’s Trust aim to equip over 500 young people with STEM and digital literacy skills needed for employment today and in the future.

With over 300 people based in its headquarters in Durham Atom is uniquely placed to partner with The Prince’s Trust in the region. The highly experienced team, with extensive digital and technological skills, will be providing mentoring and workshops to Prince’s Trust young people.

Atom Founder & Chairman, Anthony Thomson said “At Atom we are passionate about having a positive impact on the local community and the lives of the young people around us.

“For us, that isn’t just about donating money to the cause, we believe that sharing the expertise within our team through face to face workshops and mentoring sessions will provide important support and opportunities to local young people.”

In his role as Strategic Board Advisor, Atom are learning from will.i.am’s passion and experience in building successful STEM programmes in the US founded by his I.am.angel foundation. This will help inform the role Atom can play in building a broader skills base and fuelling social mobility in the North East. will.i.am joined the Atom and Prince’s Trust team in Durham for the announcement on Tuesday 28th November.

Clare Crabb, North Regional Director at The Prince’s Trust, said: “We are delighted to partner with Atom to provide more STEM sector work experience and increase employment opportunities across the North East.

“We believe this collaboration will make a huge difference in helping us to deliver essential programmes in the region to give more vulnerable young people the chance of a better future.”