whitebox digital using the digital economy to help esa claimants
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Whitebox DigitalUsing 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 AcademiesFirst pilot rollout
Won £1M Future Jobs Fund contract to create 233 apprenticeships
Of 233 people…
- 204 aged18-24
- 29 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…
- 229 people graduated programme (98%)
- 8 moved into full-time education (3%)
- 124 moved into employment (54%)
Before programme
Fiona, 19 years unemployed
Francis, ex-offender with drug issues
James on disability benefits
Employed Charity Administrator
Employed ITTechnician
Employed IT Technician
After programme
