UK Government fund helps boost young people’s digital skills for the workplace

In February and March, thanks to grant funding from the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT)'s Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, we ran a successful Industrial Cadets Silver pilot programme with 21 volunteers to support young people to develop their digital skills for the workplace.

The aim of the programme was to pilot a free online platform delivering flexible digital skills training to young people aged 16–21 in the West Midlands, North East, and London areas, which gives them the digital skills they will need to succeed in the workplace.

91 students had access to six modules during the programme as well as a mentored project. The modules covered Work Based Software, Networking and Research, AI and Gamification, Internet Safety, Coding and Digital careers.

For the mentored project, an industry professional supported students in small groups whilst they completed a project of their own choice based on what they had learned throughout the course.

The programme had a significant impact on students’ confidence and readiness for the workplace. Confidence in creating and formatting spreadsheets rose from 20% at the start of the course to 78% by the end, while confidence in coding increased from 29% to 91%. Notably, over 90% of students reported confidence in using AI tools responsibly, understanding of how digital skills relate to career opportunities in their home regions, and researching information effectively online after completing the course.

Students also reported increased confidence in using digital tools more broadly, with 94% feeling confident using technology to solve problems and complete tasks by the end of the programme. In addition, 86% said they felt confident they had, or were working towards, the digital skills needed to secure a good job – up from just 36% at the start of the course.

Comment from participants highlights the practical value of the programme. One student shared: “I learnt how to use digital skills to my advantage and make me more attractive to employers.” Another said: “The most valuable skill I learned was using spreadsheets and presentations effectively to organise data, analyse information, and communicate ideas clearly in a professional way.”

The programme received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 97% of students agreeing that the platform content was relevant and useful, and all participants saying they would recommend the course to others.

This pilot demonstrates the power of combining flexible online learning with industry mentoring to equip young people with the essential digital skills needed for future careers.