Sydney School of Entrepreneurship (SSE) has announced it will be delivering the new New Digital Skills Program as part of the City of Newcastle’s NewSkills initiative.

The New Digital Skills Program is a customisable, self-paced, training program that equips participants with the knowledge and skills to drive innovation, streamline business operations, automate relevant processes, and leverage data insights.

Launching late August, New Digital Skills Program will be exclusively available, and fully subsidised for residents and employees, based in Newcastle*.

Today’s digital world and our global economy requires people in all industries and lines of work to stay abreast of the latest technology advancements, platforms, and available tools.

This heightened demand has emphasised a skills gap in the local community, as employers begin to expect, and value, computing skills that go beyond the Microsoft Office basics.

The City of Newcastle has recognised this need and has responded with the establishment of the NewSkills Program that seeks to support local businesses and all Novocastrians in acquiring and enhancing talent in emerging industries and areas of rapid change.

From helping local businesses to embrace the digital age, developing ways to be more accessible, or improving energy efficiency, the initiative aims to address a wide range of industry specific skills gaps over the next two years.

As part of the NewSkills offering, SSE Director of Entrepreneurship, Emily Chang said the New Digital Skills Program will help individuals and businesses automate and streamline operational processes through simple technologies and digital tools

“Many people are aware of the potential gains in productivity through technology… but often the upfront cost of figuring out how it integrates in their workflows and deciphering complex codes quickly stifle the initial enthusiasm,” Emily said

“The good news is that you don’t need to be a software engineer or coding expert to introduce and engage with such technological advancements… leveling up your digital nous is easily achievable, which is exactly why SSE has designed the New Digital Skills Program.”

The Program will be delivered flexibly with options to complete fully online, or in blended format by attending interactive workshops.

SSE’s ongoing partnership with the University of Newcastle means that these workshops will be delivered at Newcastle’s new epicentre of innovation and entrepreneurship, the I2N Hub Honeysuckle.

SSE believes that all individuals and companies, should have access to the latest automation and digitisation tools, and have consequently teamed up with two leading technology development companies, SAPHI and The Business Blocks, to embed industry expertise and the latest tools and trends into the design of the New Digital Skills Program.

SSE’s Innovation Program Lead, Daniel Smith said this knowledge is no longer just for the ‘big dogs’ of the business world – but applies to a range of industries both big and small.

“Such knowledge and tools are no longer limited to big-budget organisations … small-to-medium sized enterprises now have the ability for their employees to drive adoption of this technology too,” he said.

SSE shares the City of Newcastle’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and has designed the New Digital Skills Program to enhance these efforts and help secure economic growth throughout the Hunter region.

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is investing in training programs like New Digital Skills to help locals make the most of Newcastle’s emerging economic opportunities.

“City of Newcastle’s suite of NewSkills training programs will assist residents and local businesses to expand their knowledge and abilities through specialist training providers, to address current and projected skills gaps and strengthen areas of rapid change,” Nuatali said.

“Providing opportunities for people to learn new skills is how we make businesses more competitive and encourage emerging industries, which will create more local jobs.”

Registrations are now open, and places are limited. Click here to find out more information and secure your place.

*Eligibility requirements apply.

IMAGE | Novocastrians encouraged to participate in digital skills program that could help boost job opportunities.