The West Midlands has solidified its ambition to become the UK’s premier digital hub with the announcement of the West Midlands Digital Skills Consortium (WMDSC).
Announced during Birmingham Tech Week 2024’s Digital Skills Symposium, the Consortium – comprised of businesses from various sectors – will seek to revolutionise the region’s digital ecosystem by creating a unique environment for digital skills development and innovation.
Founding members include TechWM, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), IBM, SF Technology, IN4 Group and AND Digital, working together under the leadership of Victoria Pargetter-Garner, director of digital skills & commercial impact at TechWM.
Lord Kulveer Ranger, chair of digital skills on the West Midlands Tech & Digital Advisory Board, will collaborate with the Consortium to ensure its goals align with the broader tech strategy for the region.
A working group of key members will meet regularly to discuss progress and make recommendations that will be fed back to the WMCA, academic institutions and training providers.
A major objective of the Consortium is to develop a robust pipeline of digital talent. By collaborating with colleges, universities, and specialised training providers, the WMDSC will design programmes aimed at training individuals in high-demand digital skills, such as coding, data analytics, cybersecurity and AI.
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Notably, the Consortium is working with IBM to offer a range of free digital programmes such as IBM SkillsBuild and other training opportunities, including a newly developed ‘AI for All’ workshop. This initiative will help ensure the West Midlands is recognised as a hub for digital talent, supporting SMEs and larger businesses alike in meeting their tech workforce needs.
The Consortium also aims to provide SMEs with strategic guidance on how to attract, retain, and develop tech talent by offering practical pathways and strategies.
“Our region’s growing digital sector is key to creating new job opportunities, especially for young people. WMCA is investing in training for vital skills like cyber, AI, coding, and green tech to help bridge the digital skills gap and connect people to the jobs of the future,” said Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands.
“Supporting young people into these careers is essential to tackling youth unemployment, and I’m committed to working with the tech sector to meet their needs. I also encourage businesses to step up by offering work experience, training, and apprenticeships to help young people get started.”
Pargetter-Garner added: “The launch of the Digital Skills Consortium is a pivotal moment for the West Midlands. This initiative not only positions our region at the cutting edge of technological advancement but also reinforces our commitment to creating a future-ready workforce.
“By bringing together key players from business, education, and government, we’re laying the foundation for sustained growth and innovation.
“What’s truly exciting is the inclusivity at the core of this initiative. We are making sure that digital skills development is accessible to all, giving people from every community the chance to engage with the opportunities that a digital economy offers.
“Whether it’s coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, or AI, this Consortium is setting the stage for a new wave of talent that will power the next chapter of our region’s economic story.”