Digital Skills, Inclusion and Future Careers

Empowering People Through Digital Skills and Technology

Between April 2025 and April 2026, Real Ideas Organisation supported hundreds of people across Cornwall to build confidence with technology, develop digital skills, explore future careers and access opportunities that may otherwise have been out of reach.

From helping older adults access essential online services, to inspiring young people through coding clubs and connecting secondary students with Cornwall's growing tech sector, our work demonstrates the power of digital learning at every stage of life.

Impact at a Glance

Digital Inclusion

• 345 people supported
• 108 support sessions delivered
• 5 volunteers trained and supporting delivery
• 100% of Android Basics workshop participants reported increased confidence
• One-to-one support delivered weekly to help people build digital independence

Digital Aspirations (Code Club)

• 28 regular young people attending weekly coding sessions
• 100% family engagement at showcase events
• New machine learning, game development and web development modules delivered
• Holiday workshops consistently fully booked

Careers Inspiration

• 50 Year 10 students engaged
• 13 local technology and education organisations involved
• Four hours of hands-on careers exploration and industry engagement

Capacity Building

• New digital learning resources, workshops and volunteer pathways developed
• Stronger partnerships created across Cornwall's digital, education and community sectors

Tackling Digital Exclusion in Cornwall

Digital exclusion affects people's ability to access healthcare, benefits, banking, transport and social connections. Through our Digital Inclusion programme, we provide practical support that helps people build confidence and independence online.

Across the year, participants progressed from basic digital skills, such as sending emails or using a smartphone, to independently navigating online services and solving digital challenges themselves.

One participant who had never previously owned a smartphone or laptop said:

"Six weeks ago I had never had a smartphone or laptop. My attitude was that I didn't need smart technology but thanks to you I have been converted and already greatly value the banking app."

Another participant shared:

"Without this service I wouldn't have been able to book to go and see my family and I haven't been able to leave Cornwall for years."

Through personalised support, participants successfully:

• Accessed Universal Credit and DWP services
• Registered businesses through Companies House
• Applied for bus passes
• Learned online banking skills
• Set up and manage email accounts
• Used video calling and messaging services to stay connected with family
• Navigated Government One Login and other essential online systems

The programme also supported individuals facing additional barriers including disability, brain injury and housing challenges, helping them access vital services and improve their quality of life.

Inspiring the Next Generation Through Code Club

Alongside digital inclusion for adults, our Digital Aspirations programme supports young people to develop future-ready skills through coding, creativity and technology.

Code Clubs ran throughout the year, with attendance exceeding targets across multiple sessions.

Participants explored:

• Game development using Roblox Studio
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Python programming
• Web development using HTML and CSS
• Robotics and MicroBits
• 3D modelling using Blender and Tinkercad

Young people progressed from having little or no coding experience to designing their own projects, working collaboratively in teams and presenting their work to families and industry professionals.

Several participants independently extended their learning outside sessions, researching new technologies, developing personal projects and continuing work at home.

One parent described Code Club as:

"Their favourite part of the week."

Another commented:

"They enjoy it so much they want to come on Thursday as well."

The programme also delivered a series of Lego and MicroBit workshops during school holidays, helping introduce new learners to coding and technology, with several participants progressing into regular club attendance.

Connecting Young People with Future Careers

In partnership with local businesses and education providers, we delivered a Careers Inspiration Event for 50 Year 10 students from schools across South East Cornwall.

The event brought together 13 organisations representing Cornwall's digital and creative industries, including:

• CACI
• Wildanet
• SoundView Media
• DBS
• Upshot Web Design
• Shadow Tor Studios
• Tech Cornwall
• STEM Skills

Students took part in a mix of careers activities, interactive demonstrations and practical challenges designed to showcase the variety of pathways available within the technology sector.

Activities included:

• Cyber security challenges
• Web development demonstrations
• Robotics and MicroBit activities
• 3D design challenges
• Immersive technology experiences

Every student actively participated, with many identifying the practical Challenge Hub as the highlight of the event.

Partner organisations praised the event, with one commenting:

"The day was very well run and we would happily get involved again."

By creating direct connections between young people and local employers, the event helped broaden awareness of technology careers and future opportunities available within Cornwall.

Creating Lasting Impact

To ensure sustainability and long-term impact, the team developed a range of resources and repeatable delivery models throughout the year.

These included:

• Android Basics learning guides
• Online job-search resources
• Public Wi-Fi safety guidance
• Cyber security resources
• Password security tools
• Code Club learning platforms and quizzes
• New machine learning and web development curricula

These resources enable participants to continue learning independently while supporting future programme delivery.

Strengthening Skills and Partnerships

Throughout the year, ongoing professional development helped strengthen programme delivery and expand opportunities for participants.

The team completed training in:

• Python programming
• Web development
• Projection mapping
• Virtual reality development
• Ethical hacking
• Unreal Engine
• Digital inclusion practice

This investment in skills has directly supported the creation of new learning opportunities, workshops and experiences for both adult learners and young people.

Partnerships also continued to grow with organisations including Good Things Foundation, Tech Cornwall, Cornwall Young Archaeologists Club, Liskeard Museum and a range of local technology businesses.

Looking Ahead

As technology continues to shape the way we learn, work and connect, the need for digital confidence and skills has never been greater.

Over the next year, Real Ideas Organisation will continue to:

• Expand Digital Inclusion support
• Grow Code Club participation
• Develop new robotics and electronics learning opportunities
• Deliver additional Careers Inspiration events
• Strengthen community partnerships
• Create new resources that help people build confidence independently

By supporting people of all ages to access technology, develop skills and explore opportunities, we are helping to build more connected, resilient and digitally confident communities across Cornwall.

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