Free digital skills training and work experience opportunities for groups under-represented in the UK workforce will be held in the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership area.
The D2N2 LEP, Nottingham City Council and the Sheffield City Region LEP made a successful joint bid to the Government’s Digital Innovation Fund, to provide the training across the D2N2 area (Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire). Around £330,000 was received from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).
The Digital Innovation Fund is the first competitive tender launched by DCMS to increase inclusivity and digital skills growth.
The programme is aimed at groups under-represented in the UK workforce; particularly focusing on women, and men or women who are considered to be ‘high functioning’ on the Autistic Spectrum.
It is hoped to train at least 88 people in the D2N2 LEP area, with the training set to take place between this month (June) and October (2019).
Partners in delivering the D2N2 LEP project are DCMS, the D2N2 LEP, Autism East Midlands, East Midlands Chamber of Commerce; and the universities of Derby, Nottingham Trent and Nottingham.
There are five Core Digital Skills Academies and participants will be able to choose from one of the following Academy sessions:
- Digital Marketing (Nottingham)
- Web Development (Derby)
- Data Visualisation (Chesterfield)
- Cyber Security (Nottingham)
- Digital Essentials (Nottingham).
Each Skills Academy course is four days in length.
Full details of where and when courses will be held are available at web link www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/news/d2n2-digital-skills-academy/
The courses require those taking part to already have a minimum level of digital skills and experience, to ensure the training is right for them. All participants will have to complete an initial assessment and an enrolment form, to join the Skills Academy.
The training is free but placed are limited. Lunch will be provided
Booking is essential and this should be done directly through East Midlands Chamber of Commerce or Autism East Midlands. Details, again, at web link www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/news/d2n2-digital-skills-academy/
Those who successfully complete the course will be awarded a Certificate of Competence for the given Academy. They will have the opportunity to take up a work experience placement within a digital business, leading to potential employment opportunities.
Further information at web link www.emc-dnl.co.uk/digitalacademy , or call 0333 320 0333 ext. 2153 or email: digitalacademy@emc-dnl.co.uk
If you wish to contact Autism East Midlands directly about this programme, please call Angela Gardner on 01909 506678 ext. 222 or email: enquiries@autismeastmidlands.org.uk
Media wanting more information about the D2N2 LEP can contact Sean Kirby, D2N2 Communications Manager, on 0115 9578749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
