Exeter based Met Office has joined forces with Microsoft to support digital skills and employment across the South West, with a new online hub connecting people with jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities.
The South West Connector Platform has been launched in collaboration with the South West Institute of Technology and Tech South West. It is designed to make it easier for people to explore careers in the digital sector while helping businesses, including early stage companies, reach local talent.
The platform brings together job vacancies, training routes, digital learning resources and apprenticeships in one place. It also provides access to Microsoft AI skills and learning pathways for people looking to enter the sector or develop their existing expertise.
South West Connector opens new routes into digital careers
For Devon’s growing technology community, the initiative could provide another route for businesses looking for people with digital skills while helping potential employees find opportunities without having to look outside the region.
The project forms part of wider social value commitments connected with Microsoft’s supercomputing partnership with the Met Office, which is headquartered in Exeter.
Kay Church, Business Transformation Leader at the Met Office, said: “Supporting future skills in the South West is a core part of our mission to deliver value for the UK. By partnering with Microsoft and SWIoT, we’re helping young people and job seekers access the tools, training and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.”
Alan More, Managing Director, Azure HPC & AI at Microsoft UK, said the South West economy was becoming increasingly digital and highlighted the importance of equipping people with digital and AI skills to pursue employment opportunities in the region.
The involvement of organisations based and operating in the South West gives the initiative particular relevance to Devon’s business community. Access to people with the right skills can be challenging for smaller technology businesses and growing companies, making initiatives which connect training with local employment opportunities potentially valuable to the wider regional economy.
Businesses can use the South West Connector to advertise jobs, apprenticeships and skills opportunities, while individuals can explore available career and learning routes through the platform.
For more information about the initiative and opportunities available, visit the South West Connector or read more about the Met Office on the official website.
The growing importance of AI skills is already being felt by businesses across the region. Also read: stevepailthorpe.com, a helpful new business resource unpacks latest marketing and AI trends.
Companies in the Southwest can also submit a free company listing to Devon Business Directory, with sponsored Business Leader listings and featured articles available for organisations looking to raise their profile across the county.
Source: Met Office
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