New platform launched to address UK's digital skills gap

The Institute of Coding, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, and TheTalentPeople have launched the GetMyFirstDigitalJob platform, aimed at helping individuals start careers in technology. This initiative utilises innovative technology and expert human advice to connect prospective employees with employers.

Recent polling by the Institute of Coding revealed that only half of the population feels confident in their digital skills, and over a quarter believe a university degree is necessary for a digital career. Additionally, research has highlighted that nearly 60% of the UK's workforce lacks essential skills for the modern workplace, with the digital skills gap costing the government GBP £63 billion annually. These findings underscore the urgent need for accessible education and robust employer-candidate connections.

The GetMyFirstDigitalJob platform will be accessible to participants of the Click Start programme, developed by the Institute of Coding and funded by Nominet. Click Start engages thousands of learners from diverse backgrounds, with 94% feeling prepared for a career in digital skills after completing the programme.

Participants will receive individualised support during their job applications and have access to an extensive network of employers through this platform. This collaboration aims to help individuals launch sustainable careers in technology and promote a more diverse workforce in entry-level roles.

Rachid Hourizi, Director of the Institute of Coding, commented, "We're delighted to welcome BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT and TheTalentPeople on board to pool together their extensive connections, to bring this GetMyFirstDigitalJob collaboration to learners. The Institute of Coding is committed to ensuring that as many people as possible have the skills needed to thrive in their career. Our work helps industry to plug the ongoing digital skills gap, by easing the process of recruitment for employers and candidates and through this collaboration our learners will have access to some of the biggest employers in the country."

Julia Adamson MBE, Managing Director, Education & Public Benefit at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT and IoC Board Member, added, "At BCS we want to make IT good for society, and build a profession that's competent, ethical, accountable, and inclusive. Through reaching a range of learners through the Institute of Coding's Click Start programmes, we will be able to give employers a diverse range of talent and ensure learners can gain employment in jobs where they'll be able to kick start a new career."

David Allison, CEO of TheTalentPeople, remarked, "This is a fantastic opportunity to unite with the Institute of Coding and BCS to achieve our shared mission that people from every background can engage with employers that are right for them. There is a strong demand for digital skills from the UK economy, but there are many barriers to people getting into the tech sector. This is an exciting project that will unite learners and employers to combat both the digital skills shortage among the population and help businesses ensure they have the skilled employees needed to thrive."

The initiative represents a collective effort to address the pressing issue of the digital skills gap in the UK, whilst providing tangible pathways for individuals to enter the technology sector. By leveraging the resources and networks of the Institute of Coding, BCS, and TheTalentPeople, the platform aims to bridge the gap between education and employment in the digital field.