Yorkshire Building Society has announced a pilot partnership with Good Things Foundation to provide digital skills training to 150 people from ethnic minority backgrounds in Bradford to help with employability prospects.

The partnership forms part of the Society’s commitment to put nearly a quarter of a million pounds (£240,000) extra investment into Bradford in 2021, to support its home city’s post-Covid recovery.

Good Things Foundation is the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity, helping people improve their lives through digital. It works with thousands of hyperlocal community partners across the UK to make up the Online Centres Network, reaching deep into communities to help people gain the support and skills they need to change their lives and overcome social challenges.

The partnership supports the Bradford-based Society’s longer term ambition to provide at least 2,000 people in Bradford, including at least 1,000 young people in the city, with employability support via access to training, work experience, mentoring, apprenticeships and some targeted financial support for further education by the end of 2022.

 

Pauline Giroux, senior manager for social purpose and sustainability at Yorkshire Building Society, said:

Our announcement today is about us helping to nurture the talent of people from Bradford that may otherwise be overlooked and to provide support to the city in rebuilding its economy and opportunities post-Covid.

By working with Good Things Foundation to pilot and deliver digital skills workshops for people from ethnic minority backgrounds, we will be supporting adult learners, career switchers and people looking to return to work or start a career to prepare for the future of employment in an increasingly digital world.

Our wider investment into Bradford is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the city, where in 1885, our predecessors established the Bradford Self Help Permanent Building Society in St. George's Hall Coffee Tavern, and where the Society has been based throughout the 135 years since.

Digital skills are vital for employability with 82% of UK jobs requiring digital skills in 2019.

Yet 13.6 million people lack the digital skills required for the jobs of today and the future. Those without essential digital work skills are more likely to be vulnerable, and more likely to be from ethnic minority groups.

Helen Milner OBE, Chief Executive of Good Things Foundation, said:

We’re delighted to be working with Yorkshire Building Society on this pilot partnership, providing people in Bradford from ethnic minority backgrounds digital skills training - in turn driving the recovery and ensuring that everyone is healthier, happier, and better off.

For more information on how Yorkshire Building Society supports its communities please visit www.ybs.co.uk/your-society.

All information correct at time of publication.

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