Council partners with IN4 Group and Blackburn College to deliver first-of-its-kind MUMS IN DATA (MIND) programme
Mums across Blackburn with Darwen are gaining cutting-edge skills for free they can use in the fast-growing digital data industry. The MIND programme offers a mix of online training and in-person sessions at Blackburn College, making it easy to fit round work and care commitments.
Participants at the launch of MUMS IN DATA (MIND), photo courtesy of Blackburn with Darwen Council
In fact, the ever-growing data sector is perfect for those with such commitments, with a range of jobs offering flexible working.
Leading professional tech skills provider IN4 Group has already helped more than 3,000 people secure jobs in the tech industry through its training programmes. The MIND programme is one of a number of initiatives on which IN4 group has partnered with the local council.
In addition, MEGA Hub is a programme available to every high school in the region, again aimed at developing skills for the digital tech sector. This builds on the group’s CyberFirsts contracts with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
There are also 50 MEGA Scholarships available to college and sixth-form students, providing them with the skills and experience they need to secure university places or degree apprenticeships in the sector.
Meanwhile, the group’s Modern Worker for the Modern Workplace (MWMW) programme is aimed at businesses across the region. MWMW boasts expert-led classes, workshops and showcases on the ways that modern tech such as AI can drive productivity and growth.
These initiatives are all linked to the £5bn investment in the new National Cyber Force headquarters being developed at nearby Salmesbury. The aim is to ensure that everyone across the region has access to the skills and training they need to pursue opportunities at the NCF, as part of a wider effort to establish the north-west as the UK’s cyber centre.
The MIND programme launched to coincide with International Women’s Day.
Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group, enthused to the recruits: ‘Our MIND programme is a first in the world. I want to see mums here in Blackburn with Darwen lead the way in an industry that offers exponential opportunities, this programme will help you do just that. We want to create a movement with MIND – you are part of the first cohort to access this training and I want you to be a catalyst to inspire women right across the country.’
Dr Fazal Dad CBE, Principal and Chief at Blackburn College, adds: ‘The college is immensely proud to be part of this unique programme empowering mums into digital careers. This further demonstrates the colleges deep rooted commitment in ensuring education truly empowers individuals to secure meaningful life changing jobs. The college has recently invested over £1.5m to upgrade digital technology facilities and resources to support data and digital learning supporting our community to be the most employable. The uptake on this programme has been fantastic, we look forward to working with our partners and the business community to continue to innovate and grow programmes such as these.’
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