OVER 1,000 people have now been supported through DigiTay - the Tay Cities Digital Skills project.

Part of the £20 million, Regional Skills and Employability Development Programme, funded by the Scottish Government, DigiTay was awarded over £1.5m of government funding over three years. The project aims to  support regional economic growth and the digital labour market in North East Fife, Angus, Dundee, and Perth & Kinross.

Fife Council's spokesperson for Finance, Economy and Strategic Planning Cllr Altany Craik welcomed the news.

“This is a significant milestone in the Tay Cities Digital Skills project - a key initiative to building a sustainable and regenerative economy.

“Over 1000 people have now been supported through the programme and I hope many will now go on to successful employment, helping boost our local economy and keep talent in the area. I look forward to Phase 2 launching later this year."

The objectives for the DigiTay project are to:

• understand and satisfy businesses’ digital and data requirements in the region, across all sectors not just the technology industry.
• identify and plug the digital skills gaps where they exist across the region.
• embed skills, supporting digital and data-driven innovation across a wide range of sectors, enabling businesses to adapt and compete in a future digital economy.
• increase opportunities for specialist roles within the Digital and Creative Industries.
• create an unrivalled talent pool across the region.

The project has a specific focus on inclusive growth, focusing on supporting under - represented groups to upskill and reskill in digital and data skills. Working collaboratively with the local authorities, universities, colleges, businesses and third sector DigiTay has successfully delivered a range of innovative and inclusive programmes in collaboration with key partners:

• The Data Lab Scotland: Delivered the Data Skills for Work programme, supporting learners to upskill for data-driven roles.
• Code Division: Developed Scotland’s first data course specifically designed for neurodivergent women, promoting accessibility and equity in tech.
• Fife College: Created a flexibly delivered PDA in Software Development, enabling part-time study for those in work or with other commitments.
• Option in Fife: Supported people with disabilities to gain digital skills in the creative industries, opening new pathways to employment and self-expression.
• Digital Skills Education: Supported people working in the creative industries how to utilise AI and protect their creative work in a changing digital landscape.

For more information visit www.digitay.scot