Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is working with Catalyst South to deliver a Digital Skills Partnership (DSP) across the region.

Working with skills providers, leading technology companies and experts the DSP will help bridge digital skills gaps, providing access to the latest insights, tools and resources needed for employers and individuals to thrive in the modern world. 

Digital Skills Partnerships are funded through the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport bringing together public, private, and charity sector organisations to boost skills for a world-leading, inclusive digital economy. The Catalyst South DSP is being co-ordinated by Solent LEP and supported by Hertfordshire, South East, Berkshire Thames Valley, M3 and Coast to Capital LEPs.

This work will complement and enhance existing infrastructure and resources in Hertfordshire to support digital careers and digital productivity. This includes:

• Hertfordshire Careers Hub and its work to strengthen school and college engagement with employers and providers to enable them to deliver excellence in careers education.
• Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (HOP) and its reach to employers and residents, showcasing technology careers and digital skills programmes.
• Our provider network,  including Step2Skills, further and higher education and independent training providers who deliver a range of digital skills programmes for young people and adults.
• LEP funded business support services such as Hertfordshire Growth Hub providing expert advice to business leaders.

Caroline Cartwright, Head of Skills, Employment and Apprenticeships at Hertfordshire LEP, said: “We understand that in today's digital age, having access to the right digital skills is essential for success, whether you're an individual or a business looking to grow.

"Working closely with community organisations, schools and businesses, we can identify the digital skills needs in the area and develop tailored training and education programmes to meet those needs. This project will enable Hertfordshire to map existing provision available across the south region and ensure we are effectively signposting our employers, education sector, employment and skills programmes and residents to digital skills solutions, utilising Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal to do so.”

Rich Burn, Digital Skills Partnership Manager based at Solent LEP, is leading the coordinated approach to provide businesses with customised training and support to help them stay competitive in the digital economy in all of our regions. All programmes and resources developed will be designed to be inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of age, background, or experience level. 

The overall goal is to empower communities and businesses living and working in the regions covered by the Catalyst South group of LEPs with digital skills. 

To learn more about the Catalyst South DSP programme and how to get involved, please email caroline.cartwright@hertfordshirelep.co.uk.

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