The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has partnered with internet giant, Google, to deliver 9,000 jobseekers with scholarships towards digital skills training.
Universal Credit claimants referred to the programme by the Work Coach will be able to work towards a Google Career Certificate. The courses include training for roles such as IT Support, Data Analyst, Project Manager and UX Designer.
Google’s digital skills certificates are widely recognised by tech sector employers and require no prior experience in the industry.
Mims Davies MP, Minister for Employment, said:
Helping jobseekers to build the confidence and skills they need to take up new opportunities is vital for the next stage in our recovery from the pandemic. Our Plan for Jobs puts skills at the heart of that and crucially Google’s Career Certificates will help people showcase their digital skills and build our workforce of tomorrow.”
Ronan Harris, Google UK and Ireland’s Managing Director, said:
Technology must help everyone, no matter their location, race, age or education level. We must harness the opportunity to upskill people across the country for the jobs of the not so distant future.
“We hope that with these new efforts and the support of our public sector partners, even more people can develop the skills to thrive and continue growing their careers through technology.”
Work Coaches will be able to combine these scholarships with additional tailored support on offer through the government’s multi-billion-pound Plan for Jobs, aimed at protecting, supporting and creating jobs for people of all ages across the country.
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