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Bath Spa University is offering a free 12-week digital skills programme to young learners.

Partnering with the Institute of Coding and Catch22, the programme is aimed at young people not in education, employment or training, from low-income backgrounds across Bristol, Bath, North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire. The partnership hopes to expand the IT knowledge of people across the South West region.

The programme offered by Bath Spa University forms part of a national training programme developed by the Institute of Coding (IoC), which rolls out through 2023. Aimed at improving social mobility through tackling the º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s digital skills gap, training will be delivered to more than 26,500 learners across the country, with a focus on upskilling those from low-income and minority backgrounds.

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Learners on Bath Spa University’s 12-week course will benefit from hybrid teaching and receive guidance from programme lecturers and career advisers to enhance their employability skills. Learners will also work on live briefs to strengthen various skills that research shows employers are looking for, including problem solving, creativity, adaptability and resilience.

Dr Anna Walker, head of business development at Bath Spa University, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for learners to gain digital skills and showcase their creativity and technical ability to future employers.

"Being able to combine creativity and technology is increasingly in demand by employers, and we look forward to nurturing 300 learners to grow in confidence and skills with long lasting impact."

Following the course learners will receive career support for six months after the end of programme from a personal employability coach from Catch22. Catch22 designs and delivers public services to build resilience and aspiration in people and communities.