Somerset Libraries have been nominated as finalists in the Digital Leaders 100 Awards for the delivery of the Somerset Digital Skills Academy where they have worked with school students to encourage them to consider a career in the digital industry. Only 80 organisations out of 500 were picked!

The Somerset Digital Skills Talent Academy is an example of how Somerset Libraries is fostering innovation and developing digital and creative skills with young people in Somerset. Local pupils from schools around Taunton were given a valuable insight into the world of creative digital with workshops led by local digital businesses and other partner agencies.

The Academy offered three-hour hands-on workshops which gave students the opportunity to really ‘get under the skin’ of some digital technology, with information on career opportunities, skills development and the chance to try out cutting-edge tech that is rarely available in schools.

The sessions were delivered in partnership with local businesses and organisations included film and animation; 3D Printing and 3D Scanning; Graphic design; Augmented Reality; Coding and Robotics and Virtual Reality. In the most recent session, students were able to link live with the Vice President of tech giant NVIDIA, based in Silicon Valley.

Some of the feedback received from attendees include:

After attending the session I will definitely look into a job around animation and even media

It was good to find out what the day to day job of a graphic designer is

The workshop has made me think about becoming a robot designer

I now want to find out more about how to develop virtual reality games

Voting closes tomorrow on Friday 10 May and you can cast your vote here: http://www.digileaders100.com/digital-public-service-innovation

For more information about the Somerset Digital Skills Talent Academy, contact John Carter – jdcarter@somerset.gov.uk