BMet students showcase digital skills programme with Aston University

Students at BMet’s Sutton Coldfield College joined a government minister at Aston University as part of an innovative programme helping young people develop digital and employability skills.

The Digital Futures Work Experience programme, delivered in partnership with Aston University and We Job Box, was visited by Minister for Digital Economy, Baroness Lloyd of Effra, who met students and partners to hear about the impact of the initiative.

Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology through its Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, the programme is designed to support young people at risk of digital exclusion by building confidence, skills and pathways into employment.

Supporting BMet students to build future-ready skills

At BMet, the programme was delivered to 100 post-16 students aged 16–18 from Sutton Coldfield College.

Learners took part in seven structured sessions covering:

• Digital and AI skills
• Career coaching and mentoring
• Employability development
• Employer engagement workshops

Students responded positively to the experience, with strong engagement across sessions and an average satisfaction rating of 8 out of 10.

The programme plays a key role in supporting BMet’s focus on ensuring students develop the digital and technical skills needed for modern careers.

A collaborative approach to tackling digital exclusion

The Digital Futures Work Experience programme has supported 250 learners across Birmingham, London and Bristol, reaching young people at different stages of their education and employment journey.

Led academically by Aston University, with delivery by We Job Box and support from partners including BMet, the programme brings together education, industry and community organisations to create meaningful, real-world learning experiences.

During her visit, Baroness Lloyd met students, educators and delivery partners to see first-hand how the programme is helping young people build confidence and prepare for the workplace.

What our partners say

Baroness Lloyd of Effra said: “This government backed programme is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when universities, employers and community organisations work together with a shared purpose. Meeting the young people taking part made clear just how transformative this kind of practical, targeted support can be. This government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age, and programmes like this are central to making that a reality.”

Dr Angel Tan from Aston University added: “The Digital Skills Futures programme is a real-world practical programme that helps people gain practical skills and learn how the digital sphere and AI are changing the working world. We’re proud to be working alongside We Job Box and partners to deliver the programme.”

Lalita Taylor, CEO and founder of We Job Box, said: “I am so very passionate about the programme and the difference that it can make to young people’s lives and particularly those from disadvantaged and under-represented communities. Having Baroness Lloyd attend and show such interest in the programme and the students involved made the event even more special.”

BMet’s commitment to digital skills

Suzie Branch-Haddow, Vice Principal of External Development at BMet, said: “We are proud to support the Digital Futures Work Experience programme, delivered by We Job Box. This programme reflects our commitment to equipping young people with the digital and technical skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital economy. Initiatives like this support our wider focus on digital inclusion and progression for our students into careers where digital skills are essential. We would like to thank the Work Experience team at BMet for leading on this work.”

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