28th November 2023

In Bucks, Berks and Oxon, jobs in the world of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) are booming, and having digital skills is more important than ever.
 
Buckinghamshire 
About 12,000 people have cool digital jobs there, which is 5% of the workforce.

Oxfordshire:
Oxfordshire is also going to see more growth in the Information & Communication industry.
By 2035, they'll need an extra 10,000 people to jump in or replace others.
This growth will make the job market even more competitive. Businesses are already saying they're having a tough time finding the right people for important jobs.

Berkshire:
In 2022, an even bigger 14.4% of jobs were in this field - way higher than the 4.7% average in England!
By 2035, they'll need around 13,800 of you to join in and another 34,200 to fill the shoes of those who leave.
So, there's a digital revolution happening in these counties, and having digital skills can open up some exciting opportunities for your future.


SKILLS MOST NEEDED ACROSS THE SECTOR

ICT: Data analyst • Software and app developers • Website developers • Digital content developer     • Cyber security • Help desk support • AI scientist • AI analyst • Digital content officer
Digital: Use of Excel • Use of tablets • Use of digital platforms for capturing work • Ability to access and use on-line training packages • Building simple applications for use in larger software • Extract, manipulate, manage, and analyse complex data sets from multiple systems • Knowledge of Edge computing • How to use AI and machine learning methodologies such as data mining, supervised/unsupervised machine learning, natural language processing etc.


CURRENT COURSES

Abingdon & Witney College

•    T Level in Computing (Cyber security or Software)
•    Level 1 & 2 BTECs in Computing

Activate Learning (City of Oxford, Banbury & Bicester, Reading, Bracknell & Wokingham)

•    ICT Foundation courses
•    Level 2 BTEC Computing
•    Computing A Level, National Diploma BTEC Level 3 Computing, 
•    HNC Digital Technologies (Data Analytics, Cloud Networking, Cyber Security, Software Development)
•    HND Digital Technologies
•    T Level Digital Design and Development

Bucks College Group (Aylesbury)

•    T Level in Digital Support Services
•    T Level Digital: Production, Design & Development

Windsor College Group

•    Computer Science A Level
•    National Diploma and National Extended Diploma BTEC Level 3 in Information Technology
•    HND Digital Technologies

Henley College

•    Applied IT A Level
•    T Level Digital Support Services
•    National Diploma and National Extended Diploma BTEC Level 3 in Information Technology

Newbury College

•    T Level Digital Support Services

Oxford University, Reading University, Oxford Brookes University, Bucks New University

•    Various academic undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Computer Science and Information Engineering, AI, Cyber Security and IT and Business Analytics

Apprenticeships:

•    Wide range across all levels

FUTURE PLANS 

Skills Bootcamps:
Skills Bootcamps will be set up to help people who want to work in tech and coding develop their skills.

T-levels and Full-Time Programs:
Close collaboration with employers to make sure students in T-levels and other full-time programs learn practical skills that will make them job-ready.

Apprenticeships Promotion:
More employers will be encouraged to offer apprenticeships and let students know about the opportunities available.

Short Courses:
Meetings with colleges, businesses, and others will take place to figure out what skills are in demand.
Short courses will take place that students can take to improve their skills once in employment. These courses will be available from a variety of learning providers.

For more resources see our portal section:

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