The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has become a founding member of a new organisation to boost the development of the digital ecosystem in the region.
Named the West Midlands Digital Skills Consortium, it also involves digital economy agency TechWM and companies including IBM, SF Technology, In4 Group and AND Digital, and is led by Victoria Pargetter-Garner, director of digital skills and commercial impact at TechWM..
Its priorities will include collaboration between government, educational institutions and businesses to share expertise and resources., with a plan to create an open environment of knowledge exchange in building digital skills in the region.
Future-ready workforce
Pargetter-Garner said: “This initiative not only positions our region at the cutting edge of technological advancement but also reinforces our commitment to creating a future-ready workforce. By bringing together key players from business, education, and government, we’re laying the foundation for sustained growth and innovation.”
Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker commented: “Our region’s growing digital sector is key to creating new job opportunities, especially for young people. WMCA is investing in training for vital skills like cyber, AI, coding, and green tech to help bridge the digital skills gap and connect people to the jobs of the future.
“Supporting young people into these careers is essential to tackling youth unemployment, and I’m committed to working with the tech sector to meet their needs. I also encourage businesses to step up by offering work experience, training, and apprenticeships to help young people get started.”
