Free training to help boost digital skills

A NEW offer to help people across Scotland gain skills in a range of digital technologies has been launched.

The Digital Learning Initiative brings together training offered by AWS, Cisco, IBM, Microsoft and Salesforce to help people improve their digital skills.

It's led by the Scottish Government in partnership with Skills Development Scotland (SDS).

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “The Digital Learning Initiative is a big and bold step towards empowering our citizens and businesses by making high-quality digital learning freely available to Scottish residents and small businesses."

The initiative provides free, accessible online courses covering subjects including artificial intelligence, cyber security, software development and data science.

It will also help employers to manage the skills needs in their workplaces, helping to boost productivity with the latest digital skills.

Phil Ford, from SDS, said: “The Digital Learning Initiative offers the opportunity for more people in Scotland to gain the skills they need to boost their careers and for businesses to capitalise on new technologies and improve their productivity.

“This offer aims to help unlock the potential of Scotland’s growing digital economy and shows the benefits that can be achieved by partnership working between tech employers and the public sector.

Adele Every, of Cisco UK & Ireland Public Sector, added: "Cisco is proud to be part of the initiative. We have the opportunity to contribute our global expertise and resources to cultivate a skilled, future-ready workforce, ensuring Scotland's economic prosperity and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving technological landscape."

Anyone can access the full range of courses available via the dedicated page on Scotland’s careers website, myworldofwork.co.uk/digital-learning.