New training offer helps Scots boost their digital skills
Digital Learning Initiative provides free, online learning to adults in Scotland
A new offer to help people across Scotland gain skills in a range of digital technologies has been launched.
The Digital Learning Initiative brings together training offered by AWS, Cisco, IBM, Microsoft and Salesforce to help people improve their digital skills.
Led by the Scottish Government in partnership with Skills Development Scotland (SDS), the initiative is being launched by Business Minister Richard Lochhead at Scotland’s National Innovation Summit in Edinburgh today.
Mr Lochhead said “The Digital Learning Initiative is a big and bold step towards empowering our citizens and businesses by making high-quality digital learning freely available to Scottish residents and small businesses.
“It is particularly fitting that the initiative is being launched during Scotland’s National Innovation Week given this initiative is the result of close collaboration between the public and private sectors. Only by working together can we build a more innovative and digitally confident Scotland, providing the skills and training needed to help ensure we remain one of the world’s leading innovation nations.”
The initiative provides free, accessible online courses covering subjects including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, Software Development and Data Science.
It will also help employers to manage the skills needs in their workplaces, helping to boost productivity with the latest digital skills.
Phil Ford, Head of Sector Development for Digital Technologies and Financial Services at SDS, said: “The Digital Learning Initiative offers the opportunity for more people in Scotland to gain the skills they need to boost their careers and for businesses to capitalise on new technologies and improve their productivity.
“This offer aims to help unlock the potential of Scotland’s growing digital economy and shows the benefits that can be achieved by partnership working between tech employers and the public sector.
Anyone can access the full range of courses available via the dedicated page on Scotland’s careers website, myworldofwork.co.uk/digital-learning.
Adele Every, Managing Director of Cisco UK & Ireland Public Sector added: "Cisco is proud to be part of the initiative which closely reflects our long-standing commitment to build an inclusive digital future through the Cisco Networking Academy.
“We have the opportunity to contribute our global expertise and resources to cultivate a skilled, future-ready workforce, ensuring Scotland's economic prosperity and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving technological landscape."
Leon Butler, Chief Executive IBM UK and Ireland said: “Having helped millions globally develop new tech skills through our IBM SkillsBuild programme, IBM is delighted to collaborate with the Scottish Government to enhance digital skills for individuals and businesses. We look forward to continuing our long-term presence and support for Scotland as the initiative progresses.”
John Davies, Managing Director UK, Germany & International Organisations, Worldwide Public Sector, Amazon Web Services said: “To prepare the workforce for the future we need to address the growing need for digitally skilled talent across Scotland. We are delighted to support the Digital Learning Initiative and enable more learners to access free online cloud computing and AI training resources. By supporting people to acquire in demand skills such as cloud computing, AI, software development, and cyber security, we are helping organisations across Scotland to digitally transform and be able to take full advantage of the cloud."
Bijan Bedroud, SVP and Head of EMEA Public Sector, Salesforce added: “This initiative is a powerful example of how public and private sectors can collaborate to tackle the skills gap, providing access to training and upskilling in digital technologies that are the engine of productivity and growth in Scotland.”
Find out more
Find out more about the Digital Learning Initiative and courses available