West Sussex launches digital skills campaign

A new programme has been launched to inspire jobseekers and people at all stages of their careers to discover the range of digital roles available in West Sussex, to connect local businesses with local talent and increase aspiration for digital careers across the county.

The programme is led by West Sussex County Council, in partnership with district and borough councils in West Sussex and 'always possible' will deliver the programme, alongside three digital skills ambassadors.

More than 20 events will be held across the county in 2023. New information hubs in town centres will connect students, graduates, jobseekers and those seeking a career change with trainers and businesses to showcase the opportunities available.

Interactive roadshows will support recruitment drives and allow jobseekers to learn more about the growing number of digital jobs in West Sussex.

It comes after extensive research across West Sussex, including findings of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) that many jobseekers are unaware of the diversity of digital roles available across a wide range of business sectors in West Sussex, as well as the various routes to entry into them. Employers are finding it challenging to attract candidates into these roles, hindering growth in the area.

Through collaboration between local authorities and decision makers, businesses, training providers and sector networks, the programme aims to reduce unfilled digital job vacancies, support upskilling to help local people get digital jobs, and highlight the increasing opportunities that West Sussex offers for those with digital skills.

Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council said: “We’re very excited to launch this programme, which will raise awareness about the range of digital jobs available across various sectors in West Sussex.

“It aims to assist existing businesses in attracting the right talent to remain competitive, whilst providing more opportunities to our residents across the county to discover a new and exciting career opportunity right on their doorstep; for those looking to upskill or for our digitally skilled workforce currently commuting out of the county.

“We’re proud to be working in collaboration with all of our local authorities on this, to support our flourishing digital economy in West Sussex and attract new business to the region.”

More information will be released throughout the coming months on how businesses can get involved in the programme, including becoming a champion for the campaign.

We are looking for organisations who want to get involved and stay in touch with the programme.