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<p><strong>Digital Skills</strong></p><p>The Government recognises that digital skills
are becoming ever more important in the economy. Last year, we launched the UK <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uks-digital-strategy/uk-digital-strategy#s3:~:text=3.%20Digital%20skills%20and%20talent"
target="_blank">Digital Strategy</a>, which set out our commitment to develop digital
skills across the whole of the UK.</p><p> </p><p>To grow the digital workforce in
the UK, the government has introduced a range of interventions across the digital
skills pipeline and at all levels. This includes ensuring there is a range of flexible
courses available for people already in the workforce. As part of Skills for Life,
the government launched Skills Bootcamps, which offer free, flexible courses lasting
up to 16 weeks, with a guaranteed job interview at the end. The Department for Education
is increasing investment to up to £150 million this year.</p><p> </p><p>To provide
people with the opportunity to develop specialised AI and data skills, even for those
who have no previous experience, the government has made a £30 million investment
via two phases in AI and Data science conversion courses. The government is committed
to ensuring the tech sector is diverse, which is why the government has funded scholarships
for underrepresented groups to earn a masters degree on these courses, and has supported
the Tech Talent Charter (TCC) since 2017.</p><p><strong>Digital Inclusion</strong></p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p>The government is committed to closing the digital divide and meeting
our commitment that nobody should be left behind in the digital age. This directly
supports the UK’s <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uks-digital-strategy/uk-digital-strategy#the-whole-uk-spreading-prosperity-and-levelling-up"
target="_blank">Digital Strategy </a>and its “vision to enable everyone, from every
industry and across the UK, to benefit from all that digital innovation can offer.”</p><p>
</p><p>Supporting people to engage in an increasingly digitalised world involves overcoming
the barriers to access, skills, motivation and trust identified in the government’s
digital inclusion strategy. A range of departments support the government’s approach
to removing these barriers.</p><p> </p><p>The Department for Science, Innovation and
Technology is tackling these issues by continuing to invest in digital infrastructure
to broaden gigabit-capable and mobile-network coverage. To support low income households
stay connected, the Government continues to work with telecoms providers to ensure
market provision of low-cost broadband and mobile tariffs.</p><p> </p><p>The Department
for Education are providing access to essential digital skills courses through the
Essential Digital Entitlement and the Adult Education budget. The Department for Culture,
Media and Sport are leveraging our national network of libraries to serve as an alternative
point of internet access with in-person support. Department for Work and Pensions
are referring claimants to essential digital skills courses to improve their chances
of securing employment and supporting eligible claimants with the provision of devices
and connectivity connection. Cabinet Office is setting an example by monitoring the
accessibility of all public sector websites to make sure that everyone, including
people with disabilities and impairments, can access public services.</p><p> </p>
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