New Digital Skills Project for Businesses and Individuals in West Cornwall
Support back into work and wage subsidies for employers on offer
Digital Peninsula Network (DPN) and Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change (CN4C) are working in partnership to deliver, Digital Boost Cornwall a new project funded through the European Structural and Investment Fund.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt far and wide and has led to a greater need for job seekers to utilise digital skills to seek employment and support.
Digital Boost Cornwall is supporting people across West Cornwall to develop valuable skills in digital work practices (including remote working tools, using social media for employment and business) to improve their chances of gaining sustainable employment.
CN4C is running a number of online events to support those looking for work, offering support with job seeking, interview techniques, and other soft skills. More online and in-person events are being planned for communities in Penwith and will be announced soon.
Tarn Lamb, CEO of CN4C said: “We are delighted to be involved in an initiative that helps those facing the greatest challenges to entering the job market brush up on their digital skills and addresses the very real issue of digital exclusion in our most deprived communities. I’d urge anyone looking to get back into the job market to engage with this programme.”
As local businesses continue to re-open following the third lockdown, one substantial barrier to growth is the risk in taking on new employees given the uncertainty around the timetable for easing restrictions. Digital Boost Cornwall supports businesses with a thirteen-week 50% wage subsidy to support businesses taking on new staff along with digital skills training sessions.
DPN Managing Director, Janus Howard, said: “The knock-on effect of the pandemic has put more strain on job seekers and businesses in the local community. Remote working practices, and the reduction of in-person activities has highlighted the need for a strong grasp on digital skills. Digital Boost Cornwall will support those who’ll benefit most from digital skills.”
To register for Digital Boost Cornwall, individuals should contact Clare Brown, Digital Boost Co-ordinator CN4C ClareBrown@cn4c.org.uk or phone 07971 574199. Businesses should contact Kyrstie Mann kyrstie@digitalpeninsula.com.
For more information about the Digital Boost Cornwall project go to www.digitalpeninsula.org/digital-boost-cornwall.
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Notes to editor
Digital Peninsula Network
Digital Peninsula Network (DPN) was set up in 2001 to support and grow the ICT and digital sectors in Cornwall, and support Cornwall’s wider business community with their use of ICT and digital skills. Since then it has supported numerous European Social Fund (ESF) projects whilst focusing on improvements in the the local economies we work with.
Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change
Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change is a grassroots charity providing integrated services for whole community development: from crisis support to education and skills training and creative activities for families and young people to employment and job search. It also delivers health and wellbeing services from social groups, coaching to food and growing programmes.
Founded in 2001 on the Pengegon Estate, Camborne, the organisation largely delivers its programme through its buildings in Redruth and St Austell reaching communities in Mid and West, South and South East Cornwall. Its guiding principle is to work with individuals to enable the change they want to see for themselves and their communities, focusing on ‘what matters to you, not what’s the matter with you?’
European Structural and Investment Funds
The project has received £261,113 of funding from the England European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work and Pensions are the managing authorities for ERDF and ESF funding through the Growth Programme, funds established by the European Union to help local areas stimulate their economic development. By investing in projects the funds will help to support innovation, businesses, skills and employment to improve local growth and create jobs. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding
Media Contact
David Rennie, Marketing & Business Development Manager, Digital Peninsula Network
Email: david@digitalpeninsula.com
Phone: 01736 333700
