Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has launched an initiative to advise people looking to switch to a digital career.
Switch to Digital careers week, launched in partnership with digital trade organisation Manchester Digital, aims to educate people impacted by Covid-related job cuts on how they might secure a digital or tech job.
The online event will feature speakers from Microsoft, Code Nation, Co-op Digital and AutoTrader, who will share advice about the industry and pathways into it, and a ‘speed mentoring’ event.
Sean Fielding, GMCA’s lead for employment, skills and digital, said: “In Greater Manchester we are working hard to address the immediate digital skills shortage and are working with employers to diversify and grow their workforce.
“The Switch to Digital careers week will be an excellent opportunity for people considering a career change to find out more about working in the digital sector and the career pathways available to them across Greater Manchester.”
The event, created with the National Citizen Service and Job Centre Plus, will run from October 5 to October 9.
According to TechNation, there are some 100,000 people employed in digital roles in Manchester.
Meanwhile, advertised vacancies in the UK digital sector grew by 36 per cent from June to August, TechNation revealed.
Katie Gallagher, managing director of Manchester Digital, said: “COVID-19 has permanently changed the way we do business and the impact on some industries will be permanent.
“While this and the subsequent economic downturn will mean that many people lose their jobs it has also created further opportunities in the digital and tech sector.
“While the picture is nuanced and not the case for every digital and tech business, there is still demand for people with strong digital skills.
“The sudden move to remote working and the need for companies to shift operations online will also add to that demand over the next few years.”
However, she said many don’t know how their skills can be transferred to a digital role.
“So, we’ll be shining a spotlight on some of these roles over the course of the week, with the ultimate aim of giving people the confidence to make the switch and build a successful career in digital tech,” she added.
