New digital skills partnership to be launched across the Humber

£37,500 is set to be invested across the Humber region as it is named the UK’s fastest growing region for digital jobs.

Tech Minister Chris Philp is today formally launching a new Local Digital Skills Partnership, aiming to equip people for the region’s digital jobs boom and ensure more residents can benefit from the thriving local tech sector.

The partnership - a coalition of local authorities, businesses and education providers - will make it easier for businesses and residents to identify gaps in their skills and access training on a range of topics from software development and data management to digital marketing.

It follows a report published by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) showing the region’s digital sector is expected to add an extra £1.6 billion to the economy every year by 2025 creating an additional 42,200 jobs.

Digital Minister Chris Philp said: “Yorkshire and the Humber has massive potential to be a leading UK tech destination which will put rocket boosters on the region’s economy and help unlock new innovations that improve people’s lives. But we must make sure people have the skills and talents needed for these jobs of the future.

“Our Local Digital Skills Partnership will give residents and businesses the chance to be part of the digital revolution happening on their doorstep”

Following a successful independent pilot, the Humber Local Digital Skills Partnership (LDSP) has been match-funded £375,000 by DCMS to continue its important work in the community.

Hull City Council Leader Daren Hale said: “The Humber region has led the way in boosting digital skills and creating opportunities in the digital sector, so I’m pleased that the government has recognised the success of the Humber Local Digital Skills Partnership pilot.

“The council has continued to support the LDSP, sitting on its steering group to offer support and expertise to help shape the digital future of the city. The partnership has proven to be very valuable to the council and the local economy.”