We’re a Not For Profit based CIC, staffed by volunteers, with a focus on helping local education establishments to drive technology and digital skills into the region and we do this through linking these organisations with our professional network. We work with organisations like the Solent Institute of Technology (IOT) which represents 10 local schools and colleges in the Solent area and the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to support broader institutions. Our vast community of IT businesses offer real world work experience opportunities for students studying IT at school / college, helping them to gain vital skills utilising technology in real life settings and improving their employability prospects.
The TechSolent network also work with schools and colleges to enhance their curriculum development. We facilitate lecturers and teaching staff to visit local tech companies with the aim of raising awareness of how course content can be practically applied to business. We’re actively involved in steering committees focused on course design, helping shape the curriculum to ensure that IT courses equip students with the technical and personal skills that will help them succeed in their career. For example, in some colleges we’ve been collaborating with, the courses now include the development of softer skills such as communication techniques as a key learning focus.
In addition, TechSolent also advise on county strategy around digital/technology services and skills and how they can be adopted in the public sector. We’ve started working with local government on the Future of Work – considering factors such as how does remote working apply to jobs, what does the future look like for adopting digital services within other industries etc.