Free support to schools through digital futures programme
The University of Birmingham, PwC, and Tech She Can have joined forces to establish a programme that encourages young people across the region to improve their digital skills.
The Birmingham Digital Futures programme is also designed to develop careers and create expertise for West Midlands employers to tap into.
Launching in Birmingham primary and secondary schools, Birmingham Digital Futures builds upon the employers existing digital skills.
The 2019 Employer Skills Survey cited a lack of digital skills among applicants as an important cause of skills gaps.
At the same time, the West Midlands has the fastest growing digital sector outside London and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has ambitious plans to double the industry 's economic output over the next decade.
Discussions are already underway with many other organisations from across the West Midlands to join the initiative.
The first phase of activity under Birmingham Digital uses content from the Tech We Can educational programme.
The resources consist of video lessons, lesson packs and role model videos aimed at children aged eight to 14 and aim to inspire children to consider a future career in technology by highlighting the breadth of tech careers available, the diversity of people who work in technology, how technology is used in all walks of life, and how technology careers relate to children 's passions and hobbies.
'Champions ' from industry partners will be available to visit schools in person or virtually and deliver the Tech We Can resources to the children to highlight practical examples of how students can start to think about a job in technology.
Professor Tim Jones, Provost and vice-principal of the University of Birmingham, said: “Alongside inclusive initiatives to support higher education access for high-potential students who may have been disadvantaged in their education so far, we are committed to regional growth and the skills agenda beyond higher education, offering coding bootcamps and a variety of public engagement and outreach activities. ”
Matthew Hammond, Midlands region leader at PwC, added: “We are committed to inspiring young people in the region in an increasingly digital world, showing them the breadth of technology careers and how technology is used in all walks of life in a more inclusive way. By combining forces with our anchor organisations in the region, we will increase the impact of our upskilling and technology programmes. ”
If your organisation is interested in becoming part of the Birmingham Digital Futures initiative, or you would like to become a champion to help deliver content into local schools, contact [email protected].
Read more information on the project.