Employability skills boost for Brent residents

During the pandemic, the number of unemployment claimants in Brent aged 18 to 49 trebled, and today one in five adults in the borough do not possess the "essential digital skills" that could benefit them in life. Brent Council wants to improve prospects for low-paid workers by improving adult education and skills, and connect economic opportunities for sustainable employment.

The platform, called Springboard, is being developed by the digital services and consulting business Infosys and its aim is to support residents to acquire new skills to increase their employability and re-enter the job market. Around 200 courses on technologies, emerging job roles, and professional and behavioural skills and includes essential skills such as sending effective emails, cyber-security and coding.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: "Having digital skills opens up a world of opportunities. Lockdown nudged more businesses to look towards new technologies, accelerating the shift online, and job adverts are increasingly looking for people with skills that match.

"Today one in five adults in Brent don't possess essential digital skills and many more would benefit from training to access the jobs of the future.”

“Our borough is awash with opportunities and, as a council, we want to help local people develop the skills and the confidence they need to get out there and snap them up."

Mohit Joshi, President, Infosys, said, "Supporting local communities such as Brent to secure sustainable employment starts with equipping residents for the demands of a new and evolving workplace. Ensuring equitable access to digital education is fundamental to achieving this, and to supporting the UK navigate economic recovery with a focus on digital inclusion. The Springboard digital platform will play a key role in not only helping to build a better Brent, but also a robust UK workforce."

More information about Infosys Springboard.