Brent Council Collaborates with Infosys to Provide its Residents with Free Digital Training Platform to Boost Employability Skills and Prospects
Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced a new collaboration with Brent Council to make high-quality digital education accessible to every Brent resident and boost employability skills through its digital learning and training program, Infosys Springboard.
During the pandemic, the number of unemployment claimants in Brent aged 18 to 49 trebled, and today one in five adults in the borough do not possess the “essential digital skills” that could benefit them in life. Brent Council’s mission is to improve prospects for low-paid workers by improving adult education and skills, and connect economic opportunities for sustainable employment.
To help Brent Council deliver on its mission, Infosys will support residents to acquire new skills to increase their employability and re-enter the job market. The digital learning platform provides access to digital training in addition to core subject learning, helping users track their progress and navigate different courses.
Developed to support the reskilling and upskilling of the UK workforce, the cloud and mobile-based solution is designed to be accessible anytime, anywhere and on any device to ensure equitable access for all residents.
Infosys Springboard currently offers over 220 courses on technologies, emerging job roles, as well as professional and behavioral skills. From modules on sending effective emails to cyber-security and coding, the courses are designed to help users to build their digital skill set and boost their appeal to employers.
Brent Council is one of the first to onboard on to Infosys’ Springboard program, which in addition to providing universal access to digital training and skills building, aims to empower digitally engaged communities by providing access to devices coupled with fundamental IT training.
Under this initiative, Infosys has already donated laptops to the council to support children and vulnerable residents lacking access to devices. The program also supports entrepreneurs to innovate and build digitally enabled enterprises through mentorship and technical support. Infosys’ award winning creative and consumer insight agency Wongdoody is helping Brent develop a structured program tailored to supporting entrepreneurs and SME’s.
Digital inclusion is a key strategy for the UK government, and was highlighted during the pandemic, following high levels of unemployment and workers being furloughed. The initiative with Brent Council builds on Infosys’ recent commitment to creating 1,000 digital jobs in the UK to fuel post-pandemic growth and reinforces the company’s expertise and dedication to nurturing digital skills. The company will continue to expand the program across Europe to democratize access to reskilling and upskilling opportunities.
Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: “Having digital skills opens up a world of opportunities. Lockdown nudged more businesses to look towards new technologies, accelerating the shift online, and job adverts are increasingly looking for people with skills that match.
“Today one in five adults in Brent don’t possess essential digital skills and many more would benefit from training to access the jobs of the future – that’s the problem Infosys Springboard is trying to address. Our borough is awash with opportunities and, as a council, we want to help local people develop the skills and the confidence they need to get out there and snap them up.”
Mohit Joshi, President, Infosys, said, “Supporting local communities such as Brent to secure sustainable employment starts with equipping residents for the demands of a new and evolving workplace. Ensuring equitable access to digital education is fundamental to achieving this, and to supporting the UK navigate economic recovery with a focus on digital inclusion. The Springboard digital platform will play a key role in not only helping to build a better Brent, but also a robust UK workforce.”