The launch event of the third Digital Innovator Programme, sponsored by First Central Insurance & Technology Group and run by the Digital Greenhouse, saw 30 students from the College of Further Education and The Sixth Form Centre brainstorm solutions to a problem statement.
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.
The programme’s first event on 3rd November 2020 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, commented: “It’s fantastic to see more students taking part in this year’s programme. The digital and technology industries are growing every year and businesses across the world and locally are constantly on the lookout for ambitious talent who go the extra mile to develop their skills. The launch event is the first step for many of these students to learn new digital skills and begin developing key expertise”.
Students began Tuesday’s event by identifying the reasons why they felt the St Peter Port retail area is experiencing less footfall. Thoughts included a perception of a lack of variety, the ease of shopping online and a perception of increased costs to consumers.
Ben Wratten, Programme Manager at the Digital Greenhouse, said: “We’re very pleased with how the first event went, and the students were all very engaged tackling the real world problem that many local businesses are facing. This session has already produced some interesting solutions including; local loyalty schemes, retail versions of AirBnB and ways of making retail greener. In the next session, we’ll start to see the students’ digital innovations come to life and try to help find a fix to this very real issue”.
Students are now tasked with developing their ideas into a service or product which will be wireframed on the 15th December.
