Whitebox Digital Using the Digital Economy to help ESA Claimants

Why the Digital Economy?

“Digital technology is the single biggest lever for productivity and competitiveness across every sector of the economy, it will underpin the majority of future job creation in western economies” (2010) e-skills Cultural Skill/Strategic Skills Assessment for the Digital Economy Why the Digital Economy?

 Digital economy is 4.1% of GDP  This will rise by 182% by 2016  Over the next 5 years over half a million new IT and Telecoms professionals will be needed Why the Digital Economy?

 Digital economy most socially inclusive of all sectors providing better equality of opportunity  Workstations people use can be easily adapted to meet different ability needs  Work can be done from home, in offices or a blend of the two Why the Digital Economy?

 James from London with Spina Bifida advised to set sights low and become a checkout assistant or cctv operator  Lee from Glasgow with cerebral palsy advised to expect a low quality of life and also to set his sights low with regards employment Barriers holding people back

 Lack of quality training provision across UK to train people into digital careers  Small and medium-sized businesses not engaged enough in tackling unemployment Barriers holding people back

Whitebox Digital A digital business involved in welfare-to-work

Trainees work in a modern office environment Spare desks used for taster days for prospective trainees 4 Whitebox staff 16 trainees 4 spare seats

Career path 1: Modern business worker / entrepreneurship “89% of supervisors report Microsoft Office certified workers are more productive and require less supervision” Career paths: Business workers across all sectors of the economy

Career path 2: Desktop support technician “Over half a million new IT and Telecoms professionals needed over the next five years” Career paths: - Technical support specialist - Field service technician - IT support technician - IT support administrator - IT support specialist

Create projects with local charities to develop soft skills: - Drive / work ethic - Communication - Teamwork - Problem solving Soft skills curriculum Belbin reports to identify and articulate strengths in teams

Popup Skills Academies First pilot rollout

Won £1M Future Jobs Fund contract to create 233 apprenticeships Of 233 people… aged aged 25+

What is Web 2.0? WORKING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE Popped up in 7 towns and cities Trained people from 6 months to 19 years unemployed

Trainees working in modern office environment Intensive training delivered by staff and external trainers

Worcester trainees fundraising for charity working with children with learning difficulties Trainees run projects from conception to completion

Of 233 trainees… people graduated programme (98%) - 8 moved into full-time education (3%) moved into employment (54%)

Before programme Fiona, 19 years unemployed Francis, ex- offender with drug issues James on disability benefits Employed Charity Administrator Employed IT Technician After programme

Thank you David Barker - Whitebox Digital