About Digital Futures Cornwall
Digital Futures is a £2 million pound training programme to support people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to get the specialist skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Digital Futures, which is led by Truro and Penwith College and part funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund, brings together ten skills providers and a further 3 strategic partner organisations, including Cornwall Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly.
The programme will provide a shared space for all things digital and focus on providing opportunities for local people who are currently underrepresented in the tech sector, whilst tackling the challenges of a growing industry.
Who is it for?
Any individual who is over 16 and living in Cornwall is likely to be eligible for funded support. The project will inspire people who are not currently working, or those employed in other roles, to consider digital careers. Any Cornish organisation can also access support to upskill their own employees, with significant subsidy thanks to the funding.
What does digital mean?
This project is looking at the skills we need to thrive in our digital age. This encompasses AI, immersive tech, software, data, and digital leadership. To take advantage of opportunities in Floating offshore wind, Space and Data, Climate science, gaming and advanced AI to name a few, we’ll need lots of highly skilled people. And every single organsiation in Cornwall is going to need to think about how they can take advantage of technology to grow and provide better services.
The project is focused on long lasting impact and includes continuous professional development for teachers to encourage wider participation. A focus on increasing capacity for all kinds of organsiations through a “train the trainer” approach will ensure continual development. Digital Futures will ignite interest in digital careers from an early age and aims to encourage more women and girls into the tech industry.
Who is involved?
The collaborative project is led by Truro and Penwith College, and includes organisations and businesses from across the tech sector in Cornwall. These delivery partners include; Falmouth University, University of Exeter, Step Into Learning, Real Ideas Organisation, Software Cornwall, TECWomen, Digital Peninsular Network, Cornwall Marine Network, Headforwards, and Cornwall Council’s Digital Future Academy.
Strategic partners are The Cornwall College Group, Council of Isles of Scilly, and Celtic Sea Power. The project will work alongside the People Hub, Growth Hub and Adult Education service to provide opportunities for as many people as possible.
Building on research around opportunities and current skill levels, the delivery partners will work with employers to understand their current and future needs accredited and non-accredited digital skills training will deliver:
Improved workplace Skills
Enhancing productivity and efficiency through specialist and advanced digital skills. A focus on sectors and skills that research shows have real opportunity for growth in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Capacity Building
Improvement of business performance across all industries through upskilling of employees and effective adoption of digital technology.
Expanded talent pool
Meeting the demand for skilled professionals in the digital sector, establishing pathways to digital careers, and encouraging wider participation including creating confident teachers.
Support for Tech Businesses
Providing access to skilled digital professionals who can upskill your staff, supercharge your career, and help you to unlock growth.