Bridging the digital skills gap: A collaborative approach for West Midlands employers
Written by Ayanna Allen from BlackRook Academy
Across the West Midlands, the shift toward digital-first business isn't just a trend - it’s the new baseline.
From manufacturing to professional services, firms are investing more in digital marketing and content than ever before.
However, a common challenge persists: finding quality, workplace-ready talent that fits the budget and culture of a growing regional business.
At BlackRook Academy, our focus is on closing this gap. By equipping local individuals with social media marketing skills and connecting them with regional employers, we aren’t just filling roles - we’re building a sustainable talent pipeline for the West Midlands.
Addressing the professional skills gap
A digital presence is no longer a luxury. Whether it’s managing LinkedIn, producing short-form video, or executing campaign plans, digital marketing has become, and will remain a core business function.
“It’s been really good hearing [the candidates] talk about how in-depth the course has been… and that gives me confidence that whoever we employ really knows what they’re doing moving forward.”
- Daniel Kirk, managing director - K Tec Racing.
However, technical ability is only half the battle. We’ve found that true "workplace readiness" requires a blend of creative output and professional discipline. Our training focuses on:
- Professionalism: Understanding employer expectations and workplace etiquette.
- Delivery: Managing briefs, meeting deadlines, and clear communication.
- Versatility: Training talent to work effectively as both freelancers and integrated team members.
A new model for local recruitment
Traditional recruitment can be a hurdle for many businesses, particularly when navigating the fast-moving digital landscape. Our partnership model aims to remove these barriers, offering a streamlined path to hiring for roles such as social media executives, content creators, and marketing assistants.
“The thing I’ve been impressed with the most is that [the candidate] … already has an understanding of us as a business because she did the tasks based on us as part of the BlackRook assignments… she’s been able to hit the ground running”
- Chris Derrer, managing director - Super Digital
For West Midlands employers, this collaborative approach offers several distinct advantages:
- Direct Access: Connecting with motivated candidates specifically trained for the local market.
- Reduced Risk: We’ll sift through CVs and have candidates provide sample work for you to review before hiring.
- Regional Retention: Developing local talent leads to higher retention rates and a stronger, more resilient regional economy.
Investing in our regional future
The West Midlands has always been defined by its ability to adapt and innovate. Today, that growth depends on our digital capability - and more importantly, the people driving it.
When local businesses open doors to emerging marketing talent, they do more than just fill a vacancy; they strengthen their own digital infrastructure while contributing to the wider prosperity of our region.
Join the conversation
Building a stronger West Midlands requires a collective effort. If your organisation is looking to enhance its digital marketing capability or explore how to better support emerging talent, we’d love to share our insights.