A new business group has been launched with the aim of improving skills within the region’s tech sector.
Called the West Midlands Digital Skills Consortium, it comprises a host of businesses and organisations with the aim of boosting knowledge and offering advice and guidance to employers.
Founding members include business body TechWM, West Midlands Combined Authority and tech giant IBM, working under the leadership of digital skills director Victoria Pargetter-Garner from TechWM.
The consortium said the initiative was aiming to address what it called “the urgent need for a skilled tech workforce” in the West Midlands.
It is hoping to bridge the region’s digital skills gap and help local businesses and SMEs to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
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Lord Kulveer Ranger, chairman of digital skills on the West Midlands tech and 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 combined authority, academic institutions and training providers.
The consortium said one of its major objectives was to develop a pipeline of digital talent.
It will collaborate with educational institutions and training providers to design programmes in high-demand digital skills, such as coding, data analytics, cybersecurity and AI.
The consortium is working with global tech firm IBM to offer a range of free digital programmes and training opportunities and also provide SMEs with guidance on how to attract, retain and develop tech talent.
The West Midlands Digital Skills Consortium has been launched during Birmingham Tech Week which is holding events across the city all of this week.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor Richard Parker said: “Our region’s growing digital sector is key to creating new job opportunities, especially for young people.
“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.”
Ms 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.”
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