The University of Leeds Launches Their ‘Click Start’ Programme On FutureLearn
The University of Leeds has unveiled its ‘Click Start’ programme on FutureLearn, featuring up to twenty-nine sponsored courses by the end of August aimed at tackling the UK’s digital skills gap.
These free courses are designed to equip learners with a wide range of digital skills, spanning technical proficiency, professional development and personal growth. All courses have been crafted to prepare individuals for fast-growing tech sectors such as AI, software development and blockchain. Offered as free digital upgrades for all learners on FutureLearn, the online learning platform, ‘Click Start’ is a nationwide programme which includes a broad range of digital skills support in collaboration with universities, employers and charity partners. This initiative has been developed by the Institute of Coding (IoC) and funded by Nominet, the public benefit company and guardians of the .uk namespace.
Click Start is particularly aimed at young people who are underrepresented, including women, those who haven’t been to university or who have experienced social or economic barriers. The programme is distinctive in blending technical skills development in high-demand areas such as AI or computer programming with professional development skills for the workplace such as decision-making and problem-solving.
Government reports highlight a critical shortage of candidates possessing essential data skills, with approximately 18% of UK adults currently lacking the fundamental digital skills crucial for thriving in today’s workplaces. The existing digital skills gap is estimated to cost the government a staggering £63 billion per year. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has said that a new body, Skills England, ‘will jumpstart young people’s careers and galvanise local economies.’
Leading academic on the programme, Dr Sam Wilson, says “Click Start is a nationally important programme, providing vital digital skills to help grow the UK economy and is also strategically important to the University in supporting our commitments to address widening participation, equity and diversity issues in the workforce.”
This programme aims to narrow the digital skills gap by providing learners with the digital and employability skills needed to excel in their careers and boost their prospects. Steered by expert educators from The University of Leeds, learners will be able to learn flexibly online at their own pace, seamlessly integrating study around other commitments.
Margaret Korosec, Dean of Online and Digital Education said, “I’m delighted to launch this collection of free, open, online skills courses on FutureLearn. Click Start aims to equip youth facing challenges with essential digital skills for their future endeavours. This programme has been carefully designed with academics in the School of Computing to help young people gain a practical understanding of how to get started in high-demand careers such as AI or Robotics whilst also gaining vital professional skills such as decision-making and communications.”
Commenting on the initiative, Ian Howell, FutureLearn’s Managing Director, said, “We’re excited to work with the University of Leeds on this important initiative. With a growing portfolio of over 200 IT & computer science courses, hosting their Click Start courses on our platform felt like a natural partnership. As digital skills are becoming increasingly important, we’re strengthening our commitment to equipping our learners with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace and closing the digital skills gap.”
“We’re delighted to be able to launch the Click Start programme with the University of Leeds on the FutureLearn platform, thanks to the funding from Nominet. This initiative is enabling at scale, young people from underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to gain essential digital and professional skills. Being on the FutureLearn platform allows us to provide thousands of learners with free, high-quality education that helps individuals overcome barriers and improve their career prospects.”, Professor Rachid Hourizi MBE, Director of the Institute of Coding
Here’s what some students had to say about the courses on the programme:
“I’m a recent further education leaver looking to develop some skills for my career and develop my knowledge on problem-solving and have a toolset to use in my work. I absolutely loved the mix of engaging discussions and useful resources and has definitely equipped me with some essential skills to help streamline my work and solve problems quickly and effectively.” (Decision Making – How to Choose the Right Problem to Solve student)
“I am job searching and knew my LinkedIn profile is where employers look. I was stuck on updating my profile. This course led me through an analysis, a plan and a rewrite. It was on target; I am impressed.” (Create a Professional Online Presence)
“Highly engaging, inspiring, and valuable. I loved the examples and exemplars used – felt really aligned with my interests.” (Fundamental in Skills Engineering)
“It was clear, concise and a good supportive way to learn about a subject I considered complex.” (Cryptography)
To find out more about the courses and join, click here.
