In collaboration with Yorkshire Building Society, we developed a focused digital skills and employability programme for residents of Bradford who faced multiple barriers to employment. The programme was tailored for people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds with limited digital confidence.
Delivered through trusted community partners, participants received between 16–20 hours of face-to-face support. Sessions were held in accessible local settings and designed to respond to individual needs and aspirations. The programme integrated our Learn My Way platform and provided access to the National Databank and Device Bank, ensuring that participants had the data and devices needed to fully engage.
Over three years, the programme delivered strong results:
- 59% of participants applied for new jobs
- 16% secured employment for the first time
- Nearly all participants reported increased confidence using the internet safely and effectively
- Participants also reported improved wellbeing, motivation, and reduced anxiety around job-seeking
Success was built on a personalised approach and strong community relationships. As the programme progressed, delivery partners refined their methods and developed new tools—leading to the creation of our Digital Skills for Employability Playbook, which now supports other organisations delivering similar work.
This partnership demonstrates how a place-based, community-led model can produce lasting impact by focusing on the intersection of digital skills, employment, and inclusion.