More than 500 people, and 90 businesses, have already benefitted from the first round of training delivered through the Digital Skills for the Workplace programme, in areas including digital marketing, software development and cyber security.

Speaking about the training, Joanne Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool and Combined Authority Portfolio Holder for Education, Skills, Equality and Diversity, said:

“Investing in digital skills was crucial before the pandemic and as we look to rebuild our economy post-pandemic, as set out in the Metro Mayor’s manifesto, they will be more important than ever.  This is a perfect opportunity for people to learn a new skill, or build on the skills they already have, to boost their career prospects in this growing field.

“We know that local employers are crying out for people with these skills and making sure that our people have the right training will help them find work and succeed both now and in the future. I’d encourage employers and individuals alike to get in touch and find out more.”

Councillor Ian Maher, Combined Authority Portfolio Holder for Digital Connectivity and Inclusion, said:

“It’s fantastic news that we are able to support these courses and a great opportunity for residents and employers across the Liverpool City Region to take advantage of the high-quality training available.  Digital skills are increasingly invaluable and our digital and creative sector is one of our City Region’s success stories, that will help drive our economic recovery.

“I urge anyone who is interested to contact us and find out more, whether that’s about gaining new skills, improving your workforce’s skills, or getting involved as a training provider.”

The Liverpool City Region was one of the first of six areas nationally to introduce this digital skills training back in September 2020, aimed at helping participants gain jobs in the digital sector. A new round of training courses will be funded with a further £1.2 million from the Department for Education.

The training on offer is delivered as flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with a local employer.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will offer the following courses:

• Skills Bootcamp in Full Stack Web Development
• Skills Bootcamp in Digital Marketing
• Skills Bootcamp in Cyber Security
• Skills Bootcamp in Digital Design
• Skills Bootcamp in AutoCad
• Skills Bootcamp in Software Developer/Engineer
• Skills Bootcamp in Infrastructure Technician

The training is for adults aged 19 or over and who are either in work, self-employed, recently unemployed or returning to work after a break.

The training is funded through the Skills Bootcamps scheme, which is part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee and Plan for Jobs. It works in partnership with employers, providers and local authorities to help people develop the skills that are in demand in their local area so they can progress in the digital sector.

Janet Rach from Wirral was self-employed, and wanted to take her business online due to the pandemic. She completed one of the Skills Bootcamps courses and said:

“I had no confidence in running my business online and so the course I chose covered social media, digital marketing and building a website. It boosted my confidence to the point where I now know I can make something out of it for my business.”

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority now wants to hear from residents of the city region who are aspiring to gain a digital role and need the skills to do so, training providers and employers.  Employers can either work with the team to develop bespoke programmes for existing staff or those looking to recruit can offer interviews to newly-qualified learners with industry relevant digital skills.

To register your interest please visit https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/digital-skills-for-the-workplace/