Headforwards launches digital academy | Cornwall Business

Technology partner Headforwards is launching a digital academy to provide technology training and digital upskilling to the workforce in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The Headforwards Digital Academy will harness the expertise of software engineering and technology specialists to help individuals and organizations acquire both the technical skills and the mindset shift they need to make the most of technology.

The project is part of Digital Futures, which has received £2 million from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of Cornwall Council’s Good Growth Programme. Headforwards Digital Academy offers people the opportunity to go from “zero to tech hero” in a bootcamp that takes participants to the point of becoming a junior developer, as well as providing training in functional tools for people in the region.

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for the economy, Louis Gardner, said: “Research has shown that Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has the fastest growing technology sector in the South West, with over 1,500 digital organizations employing over 5,000 people.

“This is creating a growing demand for digital skills and a talent pool of skilled roles such as programmers, developers and software engineers in industry.

“This program will support the development of these skills, which will position Cornwall as a great choice for talent and industry.

“By providing exciting training programs and well-paying jobs locally, our vibrant and growing technology sector can raise aspirations and create opportunities. It’s about the opportunities for local job seekers to learn new skills, improve existing knowledge, work flexibly and earn a great salary.”

Headforwards co-founder Toby Parkins said: “We know there is a technology skills gap for highly skilled people and a need for Cornwall’s workforce to gain more skills in using digital tools. Our digital academy will provide training at both levels to improve skills and deliver effective digital transformation.”

The 16-week software development bootcamp will be delivered in collaboration with the Code Institute. Launched in September, with full-time and part-time options, it is open to those employed or living in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly over the age of 16, with eight fully-funded and 16 part-funded places. Those who do not meet the criteria are still encouraged to get in touch if they are interested, as the full scope of the project extends beyond the original criteria.

The course includes the principles of Agile development, Bootstrap, Django, JavaScript and more. Participants will develop workplace behavioral skills through three collaborative hackathon projects while in the program with their peers. All participants will develop a final project to demonstrate to employers the coding skills they have learned.

Parkins said: “Whether you’re changing careers, trying to break into the tech industry, just graduated or a professional looking to improve your skills, Bootcamp is an incredible opportunity to transform your knowledge and take your career to next level.”

To support individuals and businesses with their digital transformation, the Digital Academy will also provide training in a variety of products including Power BI, Sharepoint and Dynamics 365.

Headforwards is keen to support businesses with individual needs and has the ability to create bespoke programmes.

Parkins added: “As a company we have worked with a number of businesses going through digital transformation and it always comes back to people – they are the ones who have to deliver. It is therefore vital that they feel empowered with the right skills to be able to use new software and systems to create meaningful change.”

For more details on the Headforwards Digital Academy, click here.