Click Start training closes UK's digital skills gap, boosts careers

A national digital skills training programme named Click Start, developed by the Institute of Coding and funded by Nominet, has demonstrated significant impact within its first year.

The programme is a collaborative effort involving universities, employers, and charities, aimed at addressing the UK's digital skills gap and challenges related to low social mobility and a limited, homogenous talent pipeline.

The programme's first-year results show that 86 percent of participants feel more prepared to interview for jobs requiring digital skills. According to the Institute of Coding, 94 percent of learners felt better equipped to start roles needing digital skills, with almost 1,000 individuals connected to employment opportunities or further educational steps.

Figures indicate that 18 percent of UK adults currently lack the basic digital skills essential for today's work environment, contributing to an annual financial impact on the government of GBP £63 billion. The Click Start programme aims to bridge this skills gap by providing vital digital training and support to a diverse range of learners.

One aspect of the programme targets disadvantaged groups through opportunities for one-on-one learning. Almost 60 percent of these participants are from underrepresented backgrounds and 17 percent of overall learners have a disability. This approach has led to nearly 30 percent of these deeply supported learners progressing into further education, employment, or starting their own businesses.

Rachid Hourizi, Director of the Institute of Coding, stated, "Figures show that equipping the population with digital skills really helps to unlock economic growth. The Institute of Coding works to give people from all walks of life access to high quality education in technical and professional skills. Click Start is unique in the industry in that it gives learners strong support from start to finish, and the success we have seen after one year indicates that our collaborative approach is a highly effective way to increase the country's digital skillset."

Adib Shehab, a programme participant who completed training under Click Start's Digital Skills in Business and is now pursuing a degree apprenticeship at IBM, shared his experiences. "The employability coaching sessions were great! Our mentor helped with CV building per industry, interview prep, negotiation tips and just general conversational skills with a lot of advice & anecdotal insights. I have recommended Click Start to people - some have joined already! I would recommend it, even if it's just for the foundational knowledge & connections."

Paul Fletcher, CEO of Nominet, highlighted the programme's objectives and achievements. "Click Start was established to address the urgent need for a high-impact digital skills initiative in the UK. It aims to support individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or those underrepresented in the tech sector, helping them transition into tech and digital roles through education. The digital skills gap in the UK is significant, with almost 18 percent of UK adults currently lacking the fundamental digital skills crucial for today's workplace. This gap not only hampers business growth but also limits opportunities for many individuals.

"The achievements of the past year highlight the consortium's dedication to this mission, as well as the talent and commitment of each learner in advancing their careers. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting some of these learners - hearing their stories and learning how Click Start has positively influenced their choices truly brings the programme's impact to life," Fletcher added.

New Click Start programmes are set to launch later this year in partnership with leading organisations and charities. The Chartered Institute of IT (BCS) and early career specialists The Talent People have also joined forces to provide learners with access to a new candidate marketplace. Furthermore, the University of Leeds has relaunched its Click Start programme on the FutureLearn platform, featuring up to twenty-nine sponsored courses aimed at addressing the UK's digital skills gap.