A FREE programme that develops digital and enterprise skills has arrived in Tameside and Glossop.
Launched on Sunday (Sept 2) at the monthly Tameside CoderDojo, the Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA), is available online for anyone living locally to help people of all ages learn new digital skills.
Tameside Council is co-ordinating the scheme to help equip local people with good digital skills, which are increasingly needed in society and the workplace, from accessing Universal Credit online to securing the latest jobs in the growing tech industry. It will help everyone by attracting businesses to the borough, increasing the number of well-paid jobs and encouraging entrepreneurship to boost local economic growth, as well as health across Tameside and Glossop through improved access to information and reduced isolation.
Aspiring to be the digital and enterprise equivalent of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the initiative was founded by and is backed by The Duke of York and can be completed individually, as a family or in a group using a mobile phone, tablet or computer.
The accredited international programme is simple to use for all abilities and backgrounds and there’s no pressure or time limit.
Participants use interactive learning modules to win career-enhancing badges and gain industry recognised awards to help them stand out from the crowd.
At beginner level, when enough badges have been collected, a Bronze Award is granted. The Silver Award is set at intermediate level so the modules are more challenging. The Gold Award is advanced level and will be released next year.
The badges cover a wide range of topics, such as staying safe online, animation, basic coding, web design and entrepreneurial skills.
Our very own Tameside and Glossop badge has even been created for everyone taking part locally, which counts towards the Bronze Award. Residents can get the Tameside & Glossop badge with the (case sensitive) badge code: TandGiDEA
iDEA is just one way the Council is promoting digital skills, with popular Tameside HACK coding competitions now in their fourth year and the monthly CoderDojo, a computers and coding club.
Councillor Leanne Feeley, Executive Member for Lifelong Learning, said: “In an increasingly online world, iDEA is a fantastic opportunity to learn new digital skills and enhance existing ones by completing fun challenges that will be rewarded with badges and awards. These could prove vital in standing out from the crowd when seeking employment or promotion. Or if you just want to brush up on your computer skills or learn more about keeping yourself safe online, iDEA is an ideal way to boost your digital knowledge. It’s free, fun, flexible and for all the family. I’d encourage everyone to get involved to see how iDEA can help you get ahead.”
Ashton MP Angela Rayner attended Sunday’s launch event. She said: “I’m delighted to support the launch of iDEA in Tameside and Glossop. Digital skills are increasingly needed in today’s society and iDEA is a great way of improving them. I’d urge everyone to get involved and find out how they can benefit.”
HRH The Duke of York said: “iDEA hopes to play a crucial role in ensuring that people have the best possible opportunities to become economically active – to get jobs. This platform is freely accessible to the young - and older people - to help them build and represent these important skills."
Go to https://iDEA.org.uk now to start learning, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information or to ask for a workshop for your group. Visit www.tamesidecoderdojo.org.uk to book your free place at the monthly computers and coding club.