The region has one of the highest levels of youth unemployment in the UK, with more than one in 10 young people (14.6%) currently not in work.

A report from the Prince's Trust has revealed that 48% of young people in the North East don't feel prepared to enter the working environment.

The partnership plans to address the digital skills gap and reduce the risk of disadvantaged young people becoming more isolated and pushed further from the job market.

Atom and the Prince's Trust aim to equip more than 500 people with the STEM and digital literacy skills needed for employment today and in the future.

Antony Thomson, founder and chairman of Atom Bank, 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.”

The digital bank is learning from its strategic board adviser will.i.am's passion and experience in delivering successful STEM programme in the United States founded by his i.am.angel foundation.

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.”