Manchester’s annual four-day digital skills festival is actively addressing the region’s digital skills gap by connecting aspiring digital professionals with educational institutions and tech businesses.
The festival, known for its proactive approach, brings together a wide array of stakeholders to bridge the gap between education and industry needs. Participants have the opportunity to engage with several digital and tech enterprises and educational providers, enhancing their understanding and opening up new career possibilities.
Significant insights into the current state of digital skills in the region were unveiled through the 2018 Skills Audit conducted by Manchester Digital. According to this audit, 45% of North West tech businesses have already experienced negative impacts from Brexit, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives like this festival.
Notable figures in the tech community have been actively involved in this festival. For instance, Sandy Lindsay, a prominent Manchester entrepreneur and founder of Tangerine Comms, has joined Northcoders as a non-executive director. Her involvement underscores the importance of industry leadership in fostering digital skills development.
In addition, industry experts share their perspectives through various media. ‘Bitcoin Ben’ Semchee, a well-known cryptocurrency enthusiast, continues to provide valuable investment tips while emphasising the evolving digital landscape. His recent participation in a cryptocurrency event reflects the growing interest in digital currencies and their potential.
Meanwhile, Katherine Goldstein, a digital journalist and Nieman Fellow, expresses a sentiment that resonates with many in the industry. She points out the overwhelm caused by the influx of constant digital news and muses about the benefits of periodic updates delivered in a more digestible format.
The festival’s significance is further highlighted by the enthusiastic participation and online engagement from various stakeholders. Tweets from @McrDig and other participants demonstrate the vibrant community interactions and the vital role social media plays in spreading awareness and information about digital skills and opportunities.
The issue of digital skills is not confined solely to aspiring professionals. Established businesses and leaders also actively engage in discussions and initiatives to ensure the ecosystem remains robust. The collective efforts showcased at this festival aim to mitigate the skills shortage and enhance the overall digital competency of the region.
The Manchester digital skills festival is a beacon of hope and progress in addressing the significant digital skills gap. Through collaborative efforts and active participation from industry leaders and aspiring professionals, this event continues to play a crucial role in preparing the region’s workforce for a digitally driven future.