Since 2017, students at Solihull College & University Centre have had the opportunity to take part in the Digital Innovators Skills Programme. Alongside their studies, students have been able to build the confidence, self-belief, leadership and digital skills to stand out from the crowd.
Whilst on the Digital Innovators Skills Programme, students work with leading employers on an exciting business project and take part in training activities to develop key skills such as communication, leadership and teamwork.
The partnership has seen many students access successful apprenticeships and career opportunities, smash their university interviews, or start their journey into entrepreneurship as a result.
There are no entry requirements to enrol on the programme and it is accessible to students across the college.
All Digital Innovators is looking for is students who are interested in kickstarting their careers by gaining confidence and practical work experience which is complimentary to their studies.
In order to become part of the programme, students must demonstrate the 4 As:
Attitude
Attitude matters, as does confidence, curiosity and presentation.
Aptitude
Mental agility, flexibility, problem-solving and decision making.
Ambition
Using a growth mindset to achieve success and gain an edge.
Application
The action of putting your talent and skills into operation.
Find out more on the Digital Innovators website:
Students on the Digital Innovators Skills Programme have worked with employers across the West Midlands, including HS2, BNP Paribas Personal Finance, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham City Council, and many more.
Find out more about students’ experience on the programme, and what they have gone on to achieve since.
Taking part in the DI Skills programme was a really good experience because it give me the chance to develop my communication skills and my ability to lead a team… Not only did this project enable me to gain more confidence and to get out of my comfort zone, but it gave me tangible experience to discuss in my interview for my current position.
(previous DI Skills Programme student)
The students’ development was transformational over the programme and we were inspired by the students’ approach to design thinking, their ideas and their pitches. We are now planning to move forward with a group of students to further develop their idea.
Innovation Analyst at HS2
I’m particularly grateful to Solihull College & University Centre for putting the time and effort in to enabling students to attend our programme and complete their industry projects and placements alongside their college timetable.
The fact that the students choose to commit extra time to our programme voluntarily is testament not only to the work we are doing, but to the approach the College has taken in encouraging independent, motivated learners.
Founder, Digital Innovators
