Ambitious project to highlight Brummie talent in digital sector

South and City College are undertaking an ambitious project to help their students secure dream careers in the digital age.

The project will focus on supporting young people to gain valuable experience in software design.

Level 2 and level 3 students will have the opportunity to spend between six months and a year supporting local businesses with digital projects, providing a fresh perspective and an extra pair of hands to participating organisations.

Kaussar Bashir, deputy faculty head of creative and professional studies (pictured), said: “We 've been developing further digital provision to help our students gain the skills employers need and ensure that Birmingham is supplied with skilled workers for the digital age.

“Our focus is to provide a first class training programme, hand in hand with essential industry experience to ensure students are equipped with the knowledge and skills businesses require.

“It 's a really exciting time to help build software engineering talent for the future of the city!

“Like many other colleges, South and City has been developing work experience opportunities with a range of employers, but this project will see the first of its kind in offering such a large number of students these specific and sought after digital skills.

“Having launched a whole new suite of digital courses in 2019, including Software Engineering, App Development and Game Design, we now want to engage employers to benefit from our knowledgeable students and with the introduction of T-Levels, these relationships with employers are more important than ever. ”

The government has placed a big focus on work experience over the years and financial incentives are available for both students and employers to take part.

James McFarlane, skills development coordinator for employability, said: “We 've worked with hundreds of employers over recent years in preparation for the new Technical Level qualifications which are being launched over the next couple of years.

“Our employer partners have benefited from our students skills and some have even found their next employee or apprentice thanks to our partnership.

“With our new suite of digital courses and apprenticeships, we can really help you find your next star employee. ”

The college has more ambitious plans too - with plans to support a further 40 business students to gain experience in business support and business improvement as well as many more in different industry specialisms across the college.

This will see 500 students gain essential skills for employment over the next academic year.

South and City College offers a wide range of digital courses, from short courses to improve a basic understanding up to degree level and including apprenticeships.

To get involved or for any other enquiries, please contact Tonia Hoskins via telephone or email - 07557 014 314, [email protected].