[O]n Tuesday 14 November, Caldew School, Dalston will host local company Hydrant, the technology problem solvers and support providers.
Hydrant will deliver a presentation and then set the Year 10 students on a “digital task.”
They will have two hours to solve a real life problem using digital technologies. During the afternoon they will deliver presentations “Dragons Den” style on their final ideas before they are finally submitted to the National Digital Day Competition.
This year’s Digital Day, which is run by UK digital trade body BIMA, will involve digital leaders going into over 140 schools around the country to share their experiences in the digital world. Students will also be tasked with completing a number of challenges under the guidance of digital professionals with a range of prizes on offer. The challenges are set by LV= and The Diana Award, with the final one based around Wearable Technology and the fashion of the future.
The shape of Britain’s future workplace will be dramatically different from today’s. Currently emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are cited as threats to jobs but AI plays a crucial role in our digital futures. Digital Day serves to inspire and empower today’s young people to become tomorrow’s digital leaders – educating them on how technology and digital will be a positive force not only in their future careers but a driver for economic and social good.
At a time when digital skills are in high demand, but many students are not aware of the myriad roles available in the UK’s thriving digital sector, Digital Day exists to engage and inspire the next generation of British digital talent. The initiative is the only nationwide day of its kind and involves 250 professionals visiting almost 5,000 students across the country to share their experiences and rewards from working in digital.
The digital skills gap costs the UK £63bn a year, according to a recent government report. Additionally, a British Chambers of Commerce report showed that three quarters of UK businesses face a shortage of digital skills in the workforce. Digital skills are clearly top of the agenda, not only for businesses, but for the wider British economy. Digital Day aims to encourage young people to pursue a career in digital, ensuring Britain maintains its position as an international technology leader.
Bridget Beale, Managing Director at BIMA, said: “Digital Day is a rallying cry from an industry with unfilled jobs and a desperate need for skilled talent. It’s inspiring to see our employers connect with young people and help them see their potential and an exciting future for themselves in Britain’s vibrant digital sector. We are committed to working with businesses and government to do more and Digital Day is simply one manifestation of that commitment. Through initiatives like this we can close the digital skills gap and keep Britain in pole position as a global digital innovator.”
