A scheme that offered digital training and support for 500 people and 90 businesses in Liverpool city region is to continue after securing a further £1.2m of funding. Tony McDonough reports
A scheme to create a skilled digital workforce in Liverpool city region has already helped 500 people and 90 businesses and is now a second round of support.
The Digital Skills for the Workplace programme offered training to individuals and support to city region businesses in areas such digital marketing, software development and cyber security.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority was one of the first of six areas nationally to introduce this digital skills training back in September 2020, aimed at helping participants gain jobs in the digital sector. A new round of training courses will be funded with a further £1.2m from the Department for Education.
Joanne Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool and Combined Authority Portfolio Holder for Education, Skills, Equality and Diversity, said: “Investing in digital skills was crucial before the pandemic and as we look to rebuild our economy post-pandemic, as set out in the Metro Mayor’s manifesto, they will be more important than ever.
“This is a perfect opportunity for people to learn a new skill, or build on the skills they already have, to boost their career prospects in this growing field.
“We know that local employers are crying out for people with these skills and making sure that our people have the right training will help them find work and succeed both now and in the future. I’d encourage employers and individuals alike to get in touch and find out more.”
The training on offer is delivered as flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with a local employer. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will offer the following courses:
- Skills Bootcamp in Full Stack Web Development
- Skills Bootcamp in Digital Marketing
- Skills Bootcamp in Cyber Security
- Skills Bootcamp in Digital Design
- Skills Bootcamp in AutoCad
- Skills Bootcamp in Software Developer/Engineer
- Skills Bootcamp in Infrastructure Technician
The training is for adults aged 19 or over and who are either in work, self-employed, recently unemployed or returning to work after a break. Some Skills Bootcamps may have additional eligibility criteria. either employed, self-employed, unemployed within the last 12 months or those that are returning to the workplace.
The training is funded through the Skills Bootcamps scheme, which is part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee and Plan for Jobs. It works in partnership with employers, providers and local authorities to help people develop the skills that are in demand in their local area so they can progress in the digital sector.
The Combined Authority now wants to hear from residents of the city region who are aspiring to gain a digital role and need the skills to do so, training providers and employers.
Employers can either work with the team to develop bespoke programmes for existing staff or those looking to recruit can offer interviews to newly-qualified learners with industry relevant digital skills.