Enhancing the digital skills of Birkbeck's mature learners, preparing them for future employment opportunities in the digital and technology sectors.
The Hg Foundation partnered with The Access Foundation to support Birkbeck, University of London to boost digital skills development.
Birkbeck is the educational home to one of the most diverse communities of learners; 40% are from households with an income below £25,000, 78% are juggling studies with work and caring responsibilities, 48% of undergraduates are from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, and the average age of students is 35 years old.
The partnership was implemented through The Access to Digital Skills and Careers Programme (ADSCP), designed to create pathways to digital and technology careers for Birkbeck students, particularly for underrepresented groups.
The ADSCP consists of three key pillars: a Tech Insights events series, a Tech Skills certification scheme, and an Access Tech micro-placement initiative. The programme launched in 2022 with funding support from The Access Foundation. The Hg Foundation joined The Access Foundation as co-funders in 2023. During these shared grants, there were more than 1,200 engagements with the programme. The average age of participating students was 33 years old and more than 70% identified with markers of socioeconomic disadvantage.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Access to Digital Skills and Careers Programme, which has helped me land my first internship and has played a key role in enhancing my employability in the data field.
