DHDA boss says digital upskilling vital for jobs

Trade

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Strong growth in digital media companies and advances in digital learning are among the positive developments of 2011, according to the end-of-year statement by the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA).

According to the report, 18 new companies joined the campus in 2011, bringing the office occupancy rate to 95%. At present 70 companies are located on the campus, accounting for 800 jobs.

Philip Flynn, chief executive officer of the DHDA, said: "The relevance and importance of digital media in the classroom is now paramount not just for the Internet sector, but for every business. Looking back on 2011, we have strong evidence to suggest that companies operating in this sphere are on the crest of a wave of growth. However, they need a strong pipeline of digital skills from prospective employees to harness every opportunity. This is why the Digital Hub has over the past year placed a renewed emphasis on mainstreaming digital learning through formal and informal education programmes.

Flynn said upskilling and improved digital literacy were vital for getting jobseekers back to work: "The importance of digital media skills in capitalising on business opportunities cannot be underestimated… Over the past year we have worked in the classroom, with school leavers, and with unemployed people to digitalise their skills and increase competencies to match the requirements of our companies. We have also instigated a programme that matches graduates from our learning programmes to positions within Digital Hub companies through structured internships."

The Agency has worked with Digital Skills Academy to deliver the WebElevate programme, where jobseekers develop skills in digital media production relevant to the companies based at the Digital Hub. WebElevate is a follow-on from the WebActivate, which targeted jobseekers on the live register and placed them with small businesses. Almost 200 people have participated in the programme, 55% of which found work within six months of completion.

TechCentral Reporters

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