NEN Digital Skills and Careers Workshop 15 January 2018

Meeting Report

On 15 January, the Education and Training Committee of WCIT (the IT Livery Company) hosted a workshop organised by National Education Network (NEN; an associate member of the Digital Policy Alliance and their 21CN Skills Working Group) in the WCIT Hall. The NEN represents the regional Grids for Learning that provide broadband connectivity, digital learning resources and advice and guidance to schools across the UK.

The aim of the workshop was to plan the creation of an on-line information exchange to provide careers advisors, pupils, parents, teachers with ready access to the full range of reputable digital skills materials and careers opportunities. It was focused on the promotion of Cyber, Digital and STEM skills and careers to schools although the potential in terms of reach and materials is much wider.

Jon Hall, Court Liveryman, hosted the meeting organised by Liveryman Philip Virgo. Bob Usher, of the London Grid for Learning, set the scene by showing some of the interactive and innovative digital resources available through the NEN.

Through Grids for Learning, the potential exists to reach over half of all schools in the country. The value this could provide for teachers, pupils and parents is immense. Working with Sally Everist, of the Good Schools Guide, Liveryman John Bertrand of SAP, David Wackett of City and Guilds and many others, the network could massively enhance the audience for WCIT work, including Liveryman Adrian Oldknow’s iSTEM+.

We look forward to providing many positive reports as our initial steps to build on this are taken.

Report by Court Liveryman, Jon Hall, chair, Education & Training Committee.