Leeds City College collaborates with regional partners to offer free digital skills sessions as part of Lifelong Learning Week

Leeds City College is collaborating with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, University of Leeds and Leeds City Council to host a series of taster sessions for adults with a focus on enhancing digital skills.

Taking place between 7 and 11 November, Lifelong Learning Week is a celebration of continuous learning and encourages adult learners to develop new skills.

This year’s Lifelong Learning Week is part of a larger campaign to boost digital skills across the region. Nationally, it is reported that 52% of adults don’t have the essential digital skills needed for the workplace and with as many as 9/10 businesses across West Yorkshire requiring their staff to have basic digital skills, addressing this gap is a key priority for the region.

Joanne Dye, Director of Adult Curriculum at Leeds City College, said: “With almost every career path now requiring some form of digital skills, it is vital that everyone has access to a digital education.

“One of the main challenges we face is that with the technological landscape constantly changing, as fast as people are able to learn these skills, they can become outdated.

“Allowing adults the opportunity to upskill and reskill their digital understanding through a number of dedicated sessions is a hugely important step in ensuring they are prepared to take on the jobs of tomorrow.”

The sessions are based at locations across the city, including digital masterclass sessions at our Printworks campus and employment and skills sessions run by Leeds City Council at various local community hubs.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for Economy, Culture and Education said, “we are delighted to be taking part in Lifelong Learning Week to help raise the profile of lifelong learning. 

“We recognise that more people will need digital skills to be successful in life and work and want to help demonstrate the range of adult learning courses available which will enable people to learn new skills, change jobs and progress throughout their career.”

Whether you’re hoping to learn everyday practical skills such as how to use your smartphone or email, or take your first step into a digital career like marketing or coding, we’ve got something for everyone.

A full programme of the Lifelong Learning Week’s events and further information can be found here.