BLOG: Connecting Learners with Digital Skills

In today’s world digital skills are essential.

We live in a world now where many industries are facing digital transformation, and new recruits are required to possess high quality digital skills and knowledge.

We are used to seeing your stereotypical industries such as IT, marketing, etc. utilising digital skills, but with the mass shift for businesses to operate online due to the pandemic, digitalisation has accelerated. For example, did you know that the construction industry, which is traditionally reliant on manual labour, is seeing a shift, with the introduction of automated production, assembly and delivery – all with the overall aim of reducing costs and creating a safer working environment.

Digital knowledge and skills allows for innovation, and can give companies major advantages. Just look at some of the brands we use every day, from Amazon, to Netflix, and even Uber, these organisations have taken on the heavyweights in their field to become household names, thanks to their digital skills.

Employers across the board are recognising this too, with the need to propel their business, and either enter the digital atmosphere, or strengthen their foothold. According to WorldSkills’ research piece, ‘Disconnected: Exploring the Digital Skills Gap’, 60% of employers feel that their reliance on advanced digital skills is going to increase in the next five years.

As a result of this, digital skills are high on their agenda, and they’re prioritising candidates that can showcase their digital literacy.

As part of our brand-new Career Excellence Hubs, we have put an even greater importance on digital skills on our delivery. Learners will get the opportunity to develop their knowledge, and add new tools to their digital skills, as we recognise the impact that this will have on their long-term career prospects, as well as opening doors to a wider range of professional opportunities.

We are also connecting up with our employer partners to give them access to our learners, with the mutually beneficial aim of increasing digital visibility and enhancing reputations and skills.

For adult learners, we offer short term courses for people looking to upskill, whether that be through Digital Skills Bootcamps, Microsoft Certification (Office Specialist, Azure, etc.), European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), or Pre-employment courses for the unemployed.

We are constantly looking to evolve, to support our business, our communities and our learners, to create their brighter futures.

If there is anything we can do to help you, get in touch with my team, we’d love to support.

Call: 01934 411 411

Email: enquiries@weston.ac.uk

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group