The Digital Innovator Programme, sponsored by First Central Group and run by the Digital Greenhouse, has moved to a virtual platform to ensure students can benefit from the experience despite Guernsey’s lockdown measures.
The Digital Innovator Programme aims to prepare students for a career in the digital sector by providing a unique opportunity to learn from existing business leaders, use industry-level technology and face different challenges outside of the classroom.
Ben Wratten, Programme Manager at the Digital Greenhouse, said: “The aim of the programme is to help students learn outside of the classroom – we intended this to be at the Greenhouse – but instead it’s from home. But the clue is in the title, it’s a digital initiative, it’s resilient and we will continue helping students develop their skills in a different format.
“The next step for many of these students will be looking for jobs in the digital sector and they will encounter a need to be agile and adapt to new learning environments. Despite the news that schools will return to classrooms from next Monday (8th March), we felt it’s most appropriate and safer to move the initiative online and hold a final face-to-face event after the island enters phase 3″.
The programme’s first event took place on the 3rd November 2020 and helped students identify root causes and potential digital solutions to the problem statement: High street footfall is down and town is less visually appealing, how can this be rejuvenated to make it an attractive destination?
John Davison, Chief Information Officer at First Central Group, said: “This past 12 months has proved that technology is even more essential to our way of working. It’s vital that we continue to help develop the next generation of skilled digital professionals to future-proof the island’s skill-set. Good luck to all the students as they tackle their learning in a new environment”.
The programme hopes to revisit an in-person event in April if restrictions allow or following the announcement of phase 3.
