Digital Skills for the Workplace is a free, flexible course of up to 12 weeks in duration, funded by the Government, and being delivered by Mersey Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram. Tony McDonough reports

Hundred of people across the Liverpool city region will get access to “digital bootcamps” to equip them with the skills demanded by employers.

Digital Skills for the Workplace is a free, flexible course of up to 12 weeks in duration, which is part of a Government programme. The training is open to adults aged 19 and over, either in work, looking for work or returning to the workforce.

Liverpool City Region is one of the first six areas nationally to introduce the skills training aimed at helping participants to find jobs in the growing digital and tech sector. The programme has been funded by the Department for Education and developed locally by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, working with local employers.

It is intended to be as inclusive as possible, to increase diversity within the digital and tech sector. Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Even before the coronavirus struck, investing in digital skills was really important but these past few months have only made it an even bigger priority.

“The economic shock of the pandemic will continue to be felt for a long time to come and will radically change the nature of work. We know that local employers are already crying out for people with these skills and making sure that our people have them will help them find work and succeed both now and in the future.”

The training programme has been developed with local employers and participants who complete the programme will have the opportunity of an employer interview and support to apply for relevant jobs.

Digital Skills for the Workplace will start later in the autumn. Click here for more information about the project.