CHAMBER NEWS Digital skills scheme hailed a success
A pioneering project to equip autistic individuals and women who want to get back into work with digital skills they need to find a job has already helped more than 70 people. The D2N2 Skills Academy offers
a series of free four-day training programmes to participants across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The scheme, funded by the
Government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s Digital Innovation Fund, launched in June. So far, 70 participants have attended the programme, 22 of whom were autistic individuals, 12 were unemployed and 40 were underemployed. Led by Nottingham City Council,
a range of local organisations have joined forces to deliver the programmes, including Autism East Midlands, the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, the Chamber, the University of Derby, Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham. Its aim is to encourage under-
represented groups across the D2N2 area to get the skills they need for a career in the digital sector. It was set up exclusively to help
autistic individuals and women (aged 18 and over), particularly those returning to work after a period of absence, out of work or looking to upskill in another job. One of the unemployed participants of the scheme, referred by project partner Autism East Midlands, is currently engaging in work experience with Nottingham- based student deals and discounts provider UNiDAYS following attendance at one of the recent digital skills workshops. They said: “I've learned even
more as a result of putting into practice what I was taught on the digital skills course. “I've also gained some
understanding of the tools they use and will definitely find this knowledge useful going forward. I think the knowledge gained from learning GIT and GitHub will help me in participating in other projects in the future.” The subject areas covered by the
programme include digital marketing, website development, data visualisation and cyber security, along with digital essentials, which covers basic digital skills including getting the most out of a range of devices, applications and the cloud. Each subject area comprises four
free training sessions over a four- week period, designed to teach the skills required to become work- ready for a job in the digital sector. Each is delivered by experienced,
48 business network October 2019
TOP & ABOVE: D2N2 Digital Skills Academy graduates receive their certificates
‘We have already helped to equip 70 participants with new digital skills’
industry-leading experts. Digital Graduate buddies, provided by the universities, will provide practical support, guidance and mentoring at each of the training sessions. At the end of each course, those
attending receive a certificate of attainment, along with a comprehensive workbook that can be used as a reference guide. The programme of support will
continue for some attendees, with a selection chosen to complete work placements in local businesses where they can use their newly learned skills. It is hoped through the programme support and engagement with the business community that a handful of attendees will secure long term work as a result. The D2N2 Skills Academy is
collaborating with a similar programme, in the Sheffield City
Region, which has the aim of helping people from under- represented groups – including BAME women, older workers and individuals with a caring responsibility, disability, mental and/or physical health condition or from a disadvantaged community, particularly Roma and Traveller communities and refugees. The scheme is known as ‘Tech Set Go Project’ and can be accessed via
www.techsetgo.org.uk. Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief
Executive at the Chamber, said: “The Chamber’s stated aim is to enhance East Midlands businesses and communities, so we are
delighted to be involved with this cutting-edge project, which has proved a real success so far. “We have already helped to equip
70 participants with new digital skills and with more sessions to come, even more people from these under- represented groups – especially those that are unemployed - can access new skills to help boost their employment prospects. “The digital agenda is evolving
all the time, so equipping autistic individuals and women who have been out of employment for a long time with the skills they need to forge a new career in this fast- growing sector is key.”
There is still one more course set to run as part of the programme and places are available – Cyber Security, 4 November at Top Valley Academy, Nottingham. Book online at
bit.ly/2kpbSjk The D2N2 Skills Academy is also keen to hear from any employers which are able to offer work experience placements to course delegates.
If you are interested and would like to find out more, contact Marie Read at Nottingham City Council by emailing
marie.read@
nottinghamcity.gov.uk or calling 0115 876 1401.
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