Innovative new programme takes off in Aberdeen

Funded training in a ground-breaking new digital qualification is being offered to people across the North-east.

The Digital Pilot’s Licence is an online training programme designed to upskill workers across the region and provide a trained digital workforce to meet the demands of a shifting job market.

The qualification is being made available with funding from the North East Economic Recovery and Skills Fund (NEERSF), a £14.3m investment by the Scottish Government.

The fund is delivering employment, upskilling and reskilling, and business growth and innovation projects that will benefit more than 3,000 people across the region.

Offered by online education group Jump Digital, the Digital Pilot’s Licence comprises four accelerator programmes delivered fully online, with successful candidates receiving a qualification at level 7 on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework – the equivalent of an Advanced Higher or an HNC.

Jump Digital co-founder, Alex Clyne, believes the programme provides people with a valuable opportunity to help launch long-term careers.

He said: “We’re both proud and excited about the role the Digital Pilot’s Licence will play in transforming people’s lives in the region – it is the first of its kind in the world and will help individuals to learn key skills which they will be able to use throughout their careers.

“It will be a ‘Critical Education Programme’ towards developing a resilient digital workforce, as organisations rethink work, retrain staff and emerge stronger and more assured about the future, from the current challenges of the CV19 crisis.”

Allison Carrington, Regional Skills Planning Lead at Skills Development Scotland (SDS) said: “With the speed of digital transformation in our economy only increasing, it’s vital that more people have the opportunity to learn the skills they need to move into these new exciting roles.

“Not only will this help people across the region as they deal with a rapidly changing jobs market, but it will help businesses across all sectors who are increasingly in need of digital skills for growth and innovation.”

Derek Houston, regional manager at the Scottish Qualifications Authority, said: “The Digital Pilot’s Licence comprises a number of SQA units, and uniquely tailored awards including the Climate Change Accelerator, that give learners the opportunity to develop new skills, knowledge, and understanding of the digital landscape that can help them make the successful transition into a new career.”

Course participant Colin Black (pictured in attachment), who is managing director of Carjon-NRG.com endorsed the programme and said: “A great course, a great team and I highly recommend it.

He said: “This excellent short course highlights key Climate Challenges through the Climate Solutions Accelerator module and identifies things we can all do to reduce our emissions and carbon footprint in our business and personal lives as we strive to achieve net zero.”

The initial success of the programme has seen an additional 40 fully-funded places added. Courses are starting immediately and are available to those living in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire, and are delivered over 12 weeks with 15 hours of training given per week.

Further information on the course can be accessed by visiting: https://www.jump-digital.com/neersf-dpl-enquiries/

This article was first published by The Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce on 22nd January 2022, republished here with permission.