The Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub has secured funding to deliver a two-year project across the region helping to bring new talent to emerging digital sectors.
We Discover Digital will create opportunities for local young people to increase their awareness and understanding of vocational and technical routes into cyber and digital careers.
It will focus on five areas that are experiencing growth but report struggling to attract young talent – Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Games Design and Animation, Programming and Coding and Esports.
The programme will require support from local employers to ensure young people are exposed to workplaces and employer-led activities that will link up to digital apprenticeship and T Level opportunities.
Gerarde Manley, Strategic Careers Hub Lead, said: “We are reaching out to local businesses to support the project and inspire the future workforce. Our research shows that the digital sector is a key growth sector in Leicester and Leicestershire.
“To maximise that potential, we need to demonstrate to young people the breadth of opportunities available in the digital sector – this programme is specifically designed to do that while boosting the future talent pipeline.
“Currently there are 7,800 high-value jobs, with the potential to deliver a further 2,300 jobs and £270 million of regional growth by 2030.”
The support of local businesses is needed to offer flexible workplace experiences, parent/carer information sessions, and industry insight sessions for lecturers.
The project will start this autumn and focus on Year 12 and 13 students. Businesses that sign up will be offered support throughout the process.
Four stages will make up the programme:
- De-coding digital pathways: Teachers, careers leaders and educators will learn about digital industry careers.
- Digital Speed Trials: Work experience placements within the sector.
- Digital VIP events: Visiting employers that hosted work placements and developing knowledge built up during earlier stages.
- Digital Application Bootcamps: Young people supported with applying for technical routes into digital careers.
