Young people will be able to access free online courses to develop digital skills in a new programme aimed at opening the technology industry to underrepresented groups.
The Click Start courses will focus on building technical and professional development skills for people aged 18-25 in groups including women, disabled students and those from low-income households.
Over 30 courses will be made available free for eligible learners by the University of Leeds and leading global organisations through online learning platform Coursera, funded by a partnership between Nominet and the Institute of Coding.
More information on how to access the courses can be found here.
Professor Jo-Ann Murray, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Digital Transformation at Leeds, said: “With an estimated 870,000 vacancies in the tech sector across the UK, there is a clear need for action to tackle the combined challenges of the digital skills and social mobility gap.
“Our partnerships between industry, outreach organisations and employers are helping to upskill the next generation of creative minds, while promoting lifelong learning to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access careers in tech, no matter their stage in life.”
Digital skills courses
The courses will be designed and built especially for the Click Start programme, with Leeds’ School of Computing leading on digital skills courses.
Coursera’s top professional and personal skills courses will also support young people take the first steps towards a new digital career.
Margaret Korosec, Dean of Online and Digital Education at Leeds, said: “Our online learning offer is rapidly growing in line with our digital transformation and student education strategies to bring our world-class teaching to a wider audience than ever before.
“This programme emphasises our commitment to creating opportunities for young people from all backgrounds who dream of pursuing a career in the technology industry.”
Further information
Picture Credit: Click Start
For more information, please contact Corporate Communications Officer, Becky Pascoe on r.pascoe@leeds.ac.uk