New initiative to springboard Novocastrians into the new world of digital skills

Sydney School of Entrepreneurship

Sydney School of Entrepreneurship (SSE) is delighted to announce it will be delivering the new Springboard Digital Skills Program as part of the City of Newcastle’s NewSkills initiativeSpringboard is a customisable, self-paced, training program that equips participants with the  knowledge and skills to drive innovation, streamline business operations, automate relevant  processes, and leverage data insights. Launching late August, Springboard will be exclusively  available, and fully subsidised for residents and employees, based in Newcastle*. 

Today’s digital world and our global economy requires people in all industries and lines of work  to stay abreast of the latest technology advancements, platforms, and available tools. This  heightened demand has emphasised a skills gap in the local community, as employers begin to  expect, and value, computing skills that go beyond the Microsoft Office basics.  

The City of Newcastle has recognised this need, and has responded with the establishment of the  NewSkills Program that seeks to support local businesses and all Novocastrians in acquiring and  enhancing talent in emerging industries and areas of rapid change. From helping local  businesses to embrace the digital age, developing ways to be more accessible, or improving 

energy efficiency, the initiative aims to address a wide range of industry specific skills gaps over  the next two years. 

As part of the NewSkills offering, SSE’s new Springboard program will help individuals and  businesses automate and streamline operational processes through simple technologies and  digital tools. SSE’s Director of Entrepreneurship, Emily Chang, stated: 

“Many people are aware of the potential gains in productivity through technology … but often the  upfront cost of figuring out how it integrates in their workflows and deciphering complex codes  quickly stifle the initial enthusiasm. The good news is that you don’t need to be a software engineer  or coding expert to introduce and engage with such technological advancements … leveling up  your digital nous is easily achievable, which is exactly why SSE has designed the Springboard  Program.”

The Program will be delivered flexibly with options to complete fully online, or in blended  format by attending interactive workshops. SSE’s ongoing partnership with the University of  Newcastle means that these workshops will be delivered at Newcastle’s new epicentre of  innovation and entrepreneurship, the I2N Hub Honeysuckle.  

SSE believes that all individuals and companies, should have access to the latest automation and  digitisation tools, and have consequently teamed up with two leading technology development  companies, SAPHI and The Business Blocks, to embed industry expertise and the latest tools  and trends into the design of the Springboard Program. SSE’s Innovation Program Lead, Daniel  Smith, said “such knowledge and tools are no longer limited to big-budget organisations … small to-medium sized enterprises now have the ability for their employees to drive adoption of this  technology too.” 

SSE shares the City of Newcastle’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development  Goals, and has designed the Springboard Digital Skills Program to enhance these efforts and  help secure economic growth throughout the Hunter region. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is investing in training programs  like Springboard Digital Skills to help locals make the most of Newcastle’s emerging economic  opportunities. 

“City of Newcastle's suite of NewSkills training programs will assist residents and local businesses  to expand their knowledge and abilities through specialist training providers, to address current  and projected skills gaps and strengthen areas of rapid change," Cr Nelmes said. 

"Providing opportunities for people to learn new skills is how we make businesses more  competitive and encourage emerging industries, which will create more local jobs." 

Registrations are now open, and places are limited. 

*Eligibility requirements apply.  

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