A co-designed programme from Catch22 and Salesforce will help Londoners facing barriers to work enter digital roles and training. Addressing both sector skills shortages and the current employment crisis, Digital Leap will support 80 people over two years.
Offering a pre-employability training package and identifying individuals’ current skill levels, strengths, and career goals, the programme will ensure participants are supported and prepared to access top career opportunities in the tech sector. This programme gives those facing barriers to work – whether due to gender, health status, or the fact that they’re care leavers or single parents – a chance to gain valuable experience in digital careers.
Donna Lawson, Assistant Director of Employability at Catch22, said:
“Career opportunities right now are taking a serious hit and worse, those who are unemployed or underemployed, are feeling little hope for their future careers. The effects are being felt disproportionately, with 18.4% of London-based jobs operating in ‘shutdown sectors’.
“Digital Leap will work with employers to improve their vacancy outreach, while also giving young unemployed and underemployed adults a better understanding of the digital economy and the opportunities that exist. Our team will then offer one-to-one support and training to upskill, so that individuals can be inspired and motivated to progress their careers in the future.”
Digital Leap will equip individuals with digital skills to apply for further training, apprenticeships and career opportunities. Through virtual delivery while restrictions are in place, the programme will:
- focus on increasing the diversity of candidates applying for digital vacancies and encourage employers to open their doors to fresh talent,
- support them to create a career plan with one-to-one support and online technical training,
- empower participants to secure digital training and career opportunities,
- increase confidence and social capital through networking and events,
- provide in-work support for both employers and employees, and
- educate individuals on the opportunities available through digital careers; two thirds of businesses in the UK have unfilled digital skills vacancies and 95% of businesses expect their digital skills needs to grow.
Kirstin Steinmetz, Workforce Development Manager EMEA at Salesforce, said:
“The future of the tech sector must be equitable and diverse. We are proud to partner with Catch22 to help ensure that career opportunities in the digital economy are accessible to all.”