Sandwell Council has partnered with digital services and consulting company Infosys to launch a website that will offer local people free skills training courses from beginner to advanced level.
Springboard is Infosys’ flagship digital learning platform designed to empower people, communities, and society with skills to be successful in the 21st century. It will help Sandwell residents acquire new skills and increase employability, supporting individuals, communities, and businesses alike. Infosys Springboard will offer more than 700 digital courses from beginner through to more advanced programmes, with training provided in modular bite size chunks.
The platform was launched on Friday 17 March 2023 at West Bromwich Albion Football Club, with representatives from voluntary sector organisations, local libraries, schools and colleges, as well as the Council in attendance. These organisations will assist to promote awareness of the learning platform across Sandwell and support people to sign up for it.
Infosys Springboard can be accessed on the platform's website.
The platform features content spanning digital learning, emerging technologies, and life skills, and is led by a team of experts through collaborations with curriculum partners, non-profits, and a global network of leading educational institutions.
In particular, Infosys Springboard aims to:
- Be available to everyone for free to help increase digital literacy across the board and ensure nobody is left behind.
- Support digitally engaged communities and makes devices and digital assets available to those who cannot afford them.
- Help entrepreneurs realise their ideas or small and medium sized businesses improve their services through digital efforts.
Councillor Simon Hackett, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, Sandwell Council, said: “Springboard is a fantastic opportunity for Sandwell residents. The opportunity to work alongside a multi-national organisation like Infosys, will equip our enterprises such as, schools, colleges and training providers with the tools needed to increase digital accessibility and help achieve higher aspirations. It will also enable our residents to access a wealth of opportunities for future careers and gain greater prosperity for Sandwell.”
Thirumala Arohi, Senior Vice President and Head – Education, Training and Assessment, Infosys, said: “Upskilling and reskilling is part of our DNA at Infosys, and we couldn’t be happier to be collaborating with Sandwell Council on this important project. Ensuring equitable access to digital education is central to achieving a digitally engaged community and I certainly look forward to seeing what residents go on to achieve as a result.”