Every job of the future will need a digital element to succeed. The leaders of Birmingham understand this important fact and have created special programmes to help their businesses teach workers new technology skills.
These training programmes teach business owners how to better connect with customers and to prepare for tomorrow’s workplace. Workers also learn how to use artificial intelligence tools to make their work easier and faster.
Why these programmes are important
Birmingham is a major economic centre in the UK with numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). There are over 292,000 businesses in the city and they operate primarily in the service sector. The sector reached a Gross Value Added (GVA) figure of £22.2bn in 2024, but Birmingham businesses still have a shortfall in the digital skills needed to compete today. Reports suggest there is increased demand for workers with advanced digital skills in spaces that include:
- Data analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud computing
- Software development
- Graphic design
- Content/SEO marketing
- AI automation
- Cybersecurity
The digital skills gap in the West Midlands is estimated to cost the UK economy billions of pounds.
How the government and private sector will bridge the gap
There are different programmes that the central and local governments have implemented to help businesses bridge the digital skills gap. One of them involves collaborating with the private sector since they account for 88% of employment. One notable example is the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Digital Skills Consortium, which brings together public and private leaders to accelerate digital training across the region. Some of these programmes include:
Skills England
Prime Minister Keir Starmer launched Skills England back in July 2024 in an effort to make sure all job training matches what the UK economy needs. The main goal is to prepare workers for future jobs and meet the needs of all regions for many years ahead.
Skills England works with local governments and providers to find where skills are inadequate and connect programmes with what industries need. The initiative also watches over the training system for people over 16 years old and gives money to companies so they can train their workers. This new group took over many jobs from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education to make the UK’s skills system work better and respond faster to needs.
Digital Marketing Skills Enhancement Programme
Another initiative in place is the Birmingham Visitor Economy Digital Marketing Skills Enhancement Programme, aimed at helping people in Birmingham to access a wider range of entertainment options. For instance, some platforms now offer live-streamed online casino experiences, showcasing how entertainment hubs are adapting to the digital age. The goal is to make Birmingham more attractive to tourists and visitors.
This programme has several important benefits for businesses, such as:
- It teaches digital skills that help companies build a stronger online presence and become more visible to potential visitors.
- It encourages more people to search for Birmingham online, which brings more attention and interest to local attractions and businesses.
- The programme welcomes all types and sizes of businesses and offers materials in many languages, including Traditional Chinese and Spanish, to serve the different business communities.
The training programme offers several helpful features. Sessions are designed to match each business’s specific needs. Companies get personal support through one-on-one virtual meetings with industry experts who help create digital marketing plans that work for their situation. Businesses also receive ongoing help through 24-hour live chat support and video training they can watch anytime they need assistance.
Free AI training
Many people expect the next decade to lead to a near total automation of business operations through AI.
That’s why there are a number of initiatives that will help local businesses prepare for this. One example is the AI for Small Business programme that was launched by Small Business Britain in partnership with BT Group to train owners in essential AI skills. The six-week programme is expert led and is delivered through webinars and communal interaction. Other options include the AI Adoption Accelerator programme offered by Tech West Midlands and the BritAsia Academy AI Digital Media Bootcamp.
This approach shows how cities can prepare their businesses for the future. Birmingham has created multiple pathways for businesses to gain essential technology skills and to deal with legal challenges through partnerships between the government and private companies. These programmes address real needs in the local economy and help companies get ready for the new digital world.
