News | 12 January 2024
Cardiff Metropolitan University has been successful in securing eight projects through the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund to boost vital skills and support businesses in local authorities across Wales, which will run until March 2025.
The Shared Prosperity Fund is part of UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, which aims to boost productivity, pay, jobs and living standards, spread opportunities and restore a sense of local pride and belonging.
Cardiff Met, in collaboration with Swansea University’s Technocamps, will deliver projects through the fund to enhance digital skills and education for over 1000 individuals of all ages, specifically working in Blaenau Gwent, the Vale of Glamorgan, Neath Port Talbot and Powys. Led by Dr Fiona Carroll, Reader in Human Computer Interaction at Cardiff Met, the Digital Technology Learning Support Network (DTLSN) will aim to empower individuals in Wales and equip them with the essential skills and knowledge necessary in the digital age.
Dr Carroll said: “DTLSN will span a range of digital technology subjects, from machine learning, creative coding, data interaction, cybersecurity, to crypto and blockchain technology. We’ll be creating micro-credential courses aligned with industry needs, immersive workshops, digital skills steam clubs, and intensive bootcamps. This project will cater for a range of learner types and age groups, embracing everyone from complete beginners to seasoned professionals to aspiring technology enthusiasts.”
Dr Gary Walpole will lead another of Cardiff Met’s key projects, providing 60 organisations across Cardiff, Caerphilly and the Vale of Glamorgan with the tools needed to implement crucial circular economy principles that will enable them to work towards net-zero, encourage innovative thinking, increase efficiency, lower operational costs and implement sustainable change. Driven by the principles of eliminating waste and reusing, recycling or refurbishing products to reduce consumption, Dr Walpole will share best practice to support organisations work towards a more sustainable future.
Professor Brian Morgan and the Creative Leadership and Enterprise Centre (CLEC) at Cardiff Met will be leading bespoke Leadership training for over 30 businesses, including 20 SMEs, in Caerphilly through the Leading and Growing Business Programme. This programme builds on the experience of the CLEC team to deliver key strategic skills development within Wales, contributing to regional development and economic recovery.
Matthew Taylor, Director of Innovation at Cardiff Metropolitan University said: “The work being undertaken through the Shared Prosperity Fund is hugely important and aligns closely with Cardiff Met’s values in supporting the local economy and boosting prosperity. Working closely with local authorities across Wales, we’re able to tailor our provision to meet their needs to ensure the communities we’re working in will see long lasting impact.”
