Council to attend conference to outline new digital skills project
Monday, 16 June 2025
We presented an exciting new initiative at the Socitm Conference in June, focussing on how digital skills training can unlock opportunities for care experienced young people.
In partnership with leading IT supplier AvePoint, the project is designed to build digital skills and confidence among residents, starting with care experienced young people.
We'll firstly collate evidence of the kinds of technology skills care-experienced young people want to develop, and will offer group and one-to-one sessions tailored to their needs.
The initiative reflects our commitment to supporting care-experienced young people by equipping them with vital digital skills for life and work. Offering tailored training and mentoring in partnership with AvePoint will help participants build confidence, understand what digital skills employers value, and explore potential career paths in the tech sector.
We hope the project will expand to other community groups, including older adults, career changers, and students, helping more residents access the digital skills essential for modern life.
Councillor Steve Owen, our Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:
Our goal is to equip care experienced young people with the technology skills they need not only to navigate digital services but to thrive in an increasingly digital job market. We are excited to work with AvePoint to develop a programme to do this, and to share our learning and future ambitions with peers across the public sector at Socitm.
Zoe Grant, Head of Public Sector at AvePoint, said:
At AvePoint, we believe in giving back to our communities and are privileged to offer technology training and resources to care-experienced young people. Working alongside Central Bedfordshire Council, we aim to equip them with valuable Microsoft technology skills that open doors to higher education opportunities and future employment.
Robert Ling, our Director of Resources and Organisation Change, presented at the Socitm Conference alongside Zoe Grant from AvePoint. The conference provides a national platform to showcase the benefits of supplier partnerships and the social value they can bring to local communities.