A new initiative aims to close the digital skills gap in the West Midlands.
- The West Midlands Digital Skills Consortium unites public and private sectors.
- IBM and TechWM play pivotal roles in the Consortium.
- Consortium to collaborate with educational institutions for skills development.
- Digital programmes to offer opportunities in coding, AI, and more.
The West Midlands is witnessing a concerted effort to enhance digital skills through the launch of the West Midlands Digital Skills Consortium. This new initiative is designed to tackle the digital skills gap in the region by bringing together a diverse range of businesses and organisations from both the public and private sectors.
Key players in this initiative include tech giant IBM, business body TechWM, and the West Midlands Combined Authority. Under the leadership of Victoria Pargetter-Garner, the Consortium is tasked with boosting digital knowledge and providing crucial guidance to local employers. The Consortium’s primary objective is to address the ‘urgent need for a skilled tech workforce’ which is anticipated to bolster local businesses and SMEs.
In alignment with the broader tech strategy for the region, Lord Kulveer Ranger, chairman of digital skills on the West Midlands tech and digital advisory board, collaborates with the Consortium to synchronise objectives. Key members are expected to meet regularly, advancing discussions and recommendations that will be conveyed to various stakeholders, including academic institutions and training providers.
The Consortium is determined to build a pipeline of digital talent by engaging educational institutions in crafting high-demand digital skills programmes. Areas of focus include coding, data analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, SMEs will receive tailored guidance on attracting, retaining, and developing tech talent.
With the backing of IBM, the Consortium will facilitate a series of free digital programmes, aimed at providing training opportunities and promoting the development of a future-ready workforce. Victoria Pargetter-Garner encapsulated the Consortium’s mission by stating that it positions the West Midlands at the forefront of technological advancement while committing to a sustained growth path.
The West Midlands Digital Skills Consortium stands as a crucial initiative, poised to bridge the digital skills gap and foster economic growth in the region.
