Brent Council partners with Infosys to enhance employability through digital skills

In a significant partnership aimed at addressing the digital skills gap in the UK, Infosys has teamed up with Brent Council to launch an initiative that will provide local residents with access to vital digital education. The partnership aims to boost employability, help combat unemployment, and support the workforce in adapting to an increasingly technology-driven economy. Through the digital education platform Infosys Springboard, the collaboration seeks to provide a long-term solution to one of the most pressing challenges of the digital age: bridging the gap in essential digital skills.

The Urgent Need for Digital Education in the UK

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital transformation across industries, making digital skills essential for accessing many modern job opportunities. Yet, a significant proportion of the population still lacks the basic digital competencies required for today’s job market. In Brent, a borough in London, the number of unemployed adults between the ages of 18 and 49 surged dramatically during the pandemic, and many residents are now struggling to keep up with the fast-evolving digital landscape.

According to the latest statistics from Infosys, approximately one in five adults in Brent lack essential digital skills, a gap that hampers their ability to secure stable, well-paying jobs. Recognizing this, Brent Council is taking proactive steps to provide residents with opportunities to upskill, reskill, and ultimately enhance their economic prospects. By partnering with Infosys, the Council aims to empower the local population with the digital skills they need to thrive in the workforce and support the broader goal of economic recovery.

How Infosys Springboard Supports Digital Skill Development

The Infosys Springboard platform is central to the new partnership between Infosys and Brent Council. This cutting-edge digital education platform is designed to provide individuals with free access to over 220 courses in technology, professional development, and essential soft skills. Springboard courses cover a range of topics, from fundamental skills like email writing and data management to more advanced subjects such as cybersecurity, programming, and digital marketing.

The platform is fully mobile-friendly, allowing users to access courses from any device, at any time. This accessibility is a key feature that makes Infosys Springboard an inclusive educational resource, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances or location, can benefit from the digital training. The cloud-based platform enables participants to track their progress and navigate the various courses at their own pace, enhancing their learning experience and helping them stay motivated.

For residents of Brent, Infosys Springboard represents more than just a learning tool; it is a lifeline to better job opportunities and career growth. As the demand for digital skills increases across industries, individuals with proficiency in areas like data analysis, cybersecurity, and software development will be better positioned to secure roles that offer long-term job stability and financial independence.

Brent Council’s Commitment to Boosting Employability

Brent Council, which has long been focused on improving the prospects of its residents, is keenly aware of the growing demand for digital skills in today’s job market. The Council’s leadership, including Cllr Muhammed Butt, has emphasized the importance of equipping local people with the tools they need to succeed in a world that is increasingly reliant on technology.

Cllr Butt noted that the shift to digital technologies has accelerated during the pandemic, and businesses are now seeking employees who can seamlessly navigate the online world. He further pointed out that while many people in Brent have the potential to benefit from such training, the lack of digital proficiency remains a significant barrier to employment. The Infosys Springboard partnership is designed to address this gap, providing Brent residents with the opportunity to acquire the digital skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing workplace.

By focusing on adult education, skills development, and providing access to the digital tools needed for career advancement, the collaboration between Infosys and Brent Council is not only helping individuals secure employment but also driving broader economic growth in the area. Through this initiative, the Council is also looking to enhance the local economy by fostering a digitally literate workforce that is equipped to meet the demands of the future.

Supporting Vulnerable Communities Through Digital Education

One of the most impactful aspects of this initiative is its focus on providing digital education to underserved and vulnerable communities in Brent. Many residents, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, have limited access to digital devices, making it difficult for them to engage in online learning. To address this, Infosys has donated laptops to the Council to support students and vulnerable residents who lack access to the necessary technology.

In addition to providing digital devices, Infosys Springboard helps entrepreneurs in the borough by offering mentoring, technical assistance, and guidance on creating digitally-enabled businesses. This holistic approach not only aims to reduce unemployment but also encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and local economic development.

Through its partnership with Brent Council, Infosys is contributing to the development of a digitally inclusive community, where all residents have the opportunity to participate in the digital economy. This initiative supports the broader goal of digital inclusion, which is critical to ensuring that no one is left behind in today’s fast-evolving job market.

Expert Insights on the Future of Digital Skills and Employability

The need for digital skills has never been more critical, and experts agree that initiatives like the Infosys Springboard program are vital to ensuring that individuals can successfully navigate the future workforce. According to leading experts in digital education, the demand for skilled workers in fields such as software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. By providing access to affordable and flexible digital training, platforms like Infosys Springboard are preparing workers for these in-demand roles and helping to close the skills gap that threatens to undermine economic progress.

Digital skills are increasingly seen as foundational for participation in the workforce, and their importance will only continue to rise as more businesses adopt digital technologies. The partnership between Infosys and Brent Council is a clear example of how public-private collaborations can play a key role in fostering a digitally inclusive society, helping individuals gain the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive job market.

A Future Powered by Digital Skills

The partnership between Infosys and Brent Council represents a crucial step toward addressing the digital divide and empowering individuals with the skills they need for economic success. By providing residents with access to world-class digital education, Infosys Springboard is helping to create a more inclusive and resilient workforce in Brent. This initiative not only supports local communities but also contributes to the broader goal of digital inclusion, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to succeed in the digital economy.

For Infosys, the Springboard program is an extension of its commitment to driving sustainable growth through digital education. As the UK and the rest of the world continue to face economic challenges, initiatives like this will play a key role in shaping the future of work and ensuring that no one is left behind.