The search is on for West Sussex digital skills ambassadors
The search is on to find three digital skills ambassadors to work on a new initiative to inspire West Sussex residents about digital jobs and careers and to connect local businesses with talented jobseekers.
West Sussex County Council and the West Sussex Districts and Boroughs are jointly funding the initiative, which is being led by local strategic consultancy Always Possible who will appoint the ambassadors from local businesses.
Ambassadors from three local businesses will be recruited to work in partnership with the team and cross-county partners to promote the programme to residents seeking a career change, jobseekers, graduates and students. By working with the project team, local authorities, education providers, business networks and other partners, the ambassador role will support businesses in their area by helping to build and attract homegrown tech talent, simplifying information for jobseekers and showcasing the benefits of building a digital career in the county.
Ambassadors will need to work for, or own, a small or medium-sized business which has a need for advanced digital skills, a business in any sector with tech requirements or an innovative business with a story to share. The role is an opportunity for businesses to support the project’s development and to encourage business growth in the county, as well as sharing their own best practice and business experience.
Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said “We’re looking for dynamic, digital skills business ambassadors to be champions for our programme and raise awareness about the broad range of digital jobs across different sectors, available in West Sussex and the routes into these careers. “Our ambassadors have a commitment to supporting advanced digital skills and will understand the challenges in relation to digital skills and recruitment, which are currently hindering business growth.
“As well as signposting people to the programme online, business champions will draw upon their broad and diverse networks to promote the project and be willing to take part in events we’ll be running over the next 18 months, from our town centre information hubs to interactive roadshows.”
A high level of interest is anticipated and businesses that apply but don’t make the final three will still be invited to take part in a range of activities and showcase opportunities.
The selected businesses will need to commit one day per month for the role, to help promote the project on social media, network and attend events.
Businesses will be supported with professional media training. They will become a spokesperson for the programme, participating in media interviews and photos, as well as videos and podcasts to promote the project.
Businesses can involve up to two team members to support activities, providing at least one senior leader is included. Although this is primarily a volunteer ambassador role, a fee will be paid to cover resources and expenses.
To apply to be a digital skills ambassador, please click here.