Microsoft teams up with West Midlands to deliver digital skills boost in region

It comes with the demand for tech skills said to be 'soaring'

Microsoft is partnering with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to bring digital skills to the region amid a "soaring" demand for tech skills.

The programme is designed to connect local talent to opportunity and help employers build a workforce for long-term growth.

It is also set to further advance WMCA's regional digital skills bootcamp and Microsoft's nationwide Get On campaign to help 1.5 million people in the UK build a career in technology.

It comes as the WMCA said that is it seeing record numbers of businesses locate to the region and create jobs, with "the demand for tech skills soaring".

The initiative was announced at an event to celebrate the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, said: "A key part of my mayoral mission is to equip our local residents - particularly our young people - with the digital skills that will enable them to succeed in the 21st Century economy as well as enjoy a great quality of life alongside their families.

"This timely and tremendously exciting joint initiative with Microsoft that we're announcing today helps us to deliver on this important mission.

"Together with Microsoft's expertise and funding, we will connect talent from across our region with the high-quality jobs of the future."

Included in the package is new training content for WMCA digital skills bootcamps and business-led regional learning days from Microsoft and its partner network.

There will also be on demand training with LinkedIn learning and a talent connector.

Derrick McCourt, general manager of customer success at Microsoft, said: "The Commonwealth Games has delivered far more than medals for this country; it has reminded people of the importance of Birmingham at the heart of our nation.

"There is an abundance of talent in the West Midlands and employment opportunity in digital, but I passionately believe that if we want to create equality of opportunity then we must invest in skills. This ambitious program will connect more people to the careers available in technology and ensure they play a key part of the future of the region."