A live event - welcoming some of the leading experts in IT and education, to review the NCC Education qualifications L4 and L5 Diplomas in Computing to assess suitability for industry and employment.

1. Expert Industry
Panel 2021

2. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
INTRODUCTION
Esther Chesterman
General Manager
Darren Cooper
Product Development Manager
Kerry Voellner
Head of Marketing
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3. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
Agenda
• Introductions and NCC Education overview
• Qualification presentation
• Survey results
• Learning outcomes- discussion
• The future of Digital learning- Discussion
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4. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
NCC EDUCATION
NCC Education was established as a computing initiative by the British Government
in 1966
Today we have a network of over 170 educational partners across the globe that
offer our British qualifications to local students centres
Working with international schools, colleges and universities, we provide students
with a range of study routes which enable them to acquire a British diploma or
university degree
We are a global provider of British education and study methods include
a combination of traditional and distance learning
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5. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
PURPOSE OF THE
EXPERT INDUSTRY PANEL
The purpose of setting up an Industry review board is to have a formal setting which attracts high
profile board members from global organisations to attend a qualification review and ultimately
provide valuable feedback for the ongoing development of our diplomas.
It is important that as an awarding body we maintain relevance in the IT qualifications markets and
that we produce education material which is fit-for-purpose and of high-quality.
The principal function of the panel is to, review existing qualifications and content as being valid and
fit-for-purpose. The panel will also review and recommend market relevant technologies & area
specialisms that the market is demanding, in order to futureproof the qualifications when
programmes are being updated.
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6. Our local educational
partners offer our British
qualifications in country.
Which means students
can complete a British
qualification without
having to travel to the UK.
OUR ACCREDITED PARTNER CENTRES
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7. Our local educational
partners offer our British
qualifications in country.
Which means students
can complete a British
qualification without
having to travel to the UK.
OUR STUDENTS
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8. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
QUALIFICATION OVERVIEW

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Level 4 Diploma in Computing (L4DC)
All candidates must pass the following 5 core units in addition to the
3 indicated for the specific pathways.
NCC Education Level 4 Qualifications
Level 4 Diploma in Computing
(L4DC) Specialisms
Level 4 Diploma in Computing
(L4DC)
Level 4 Diploma in Computing (with
Business Management)
Core Units • Skills for Computing
• Computer Networks
• Computer Systems
• Designing and Developing a
Website
• Databases
• Skills for Computing
• Computer Networks
• Computer Systems
• Designing and Developing a Website
• Databases
Specialist Units (Mandatory) • Designing and Developing Object-
Oriented Computer Programs
• Software Development Techniques
• Office Solutions Development
• eBusiness
• Essentials of Management
• Understanding Business Organisations
Equivalent
A Level 4 qualification is equivalent to
the first year of a degree programme
in the UK university system.
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NCC Education Level 4 Qualifications
Qualifications
accepted for entry
onto the specialism
qualifications
Level 4 Diploma in Computing
(L4DC)
Level 4 Diploma in Computing (with
Business Management)
Level 4 Diploma in
Business (L4DB)
NCC Education Level 3
International Foundation Diploma
for Higher Education Studies
(L3IFDHES)
NCC Education Level 3 International
Foundation Diploma for Higher
Education Studies (L3IFDHES)
NCC Education Level 3
International
Foundation Diploma for
Higher Education
Studies (L3IFDHES)
NCC Education Level 3 Diploma in
Computing (L3DC)
NCC Education Level 3 Diploma in
Business (L3DB)
NCC Education Level 3
Diploma in Business
(L3DB)
NCC Education Level 3 Diploma in
Computing (L3DC)
An international qualification which is deemed to be of a similar level to the NCC Education
L3IFDHES. This needs to be agreed with NCC Education in advance.
A GCE ‘A’ Level or equivalent, or an appropriate School Leavers’ certificate deemed to be of a
similar level
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11. NCC Education Level 4 Qualifications
Level 4 Diploma in
Computing (L4DC)
Delivery method: Classroom
Duration: 1 year full-time
First year of honours degree pathway
Level 4 Diploma in Computing
(with Business Management)
Formerly known as the Level 4 Diploma in Business IT
Delivery method: Classroom
Duration: 1 year full-time
First year of honours degree pathway
Level 4 Diploma in
Business (L4DB)
Delivery method: Classroom
Duration: 1 year full-time
First year of honours degree pathway
Level 5 Diploma in
Business (L5DB)
Delivery method: Classroom
Duration: 1 year full-time
Second year of honours degree
pathway
Level 5 Diploma in
Computing (L5DC)
Delivery method: Classroom
Duration: 1 year full-time
Second year of honours degree
pathway
Level 5 Diploma in Computing
(with Business Management)
Formerly known as the Level 5 Diploma in
Business IT
Delivery method: Classroom
Duration: 1 year full-time
Second year of honours degree pathway
Level 5 Diploma in Computing
(with Cyber Security)
Formerly known as the Level 5 Diploma in Cyber
Security
Delivery method: Classroom
Duration: 1 year full-time
Second year of honours degree pathway
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12. Level 5 Diploma in Computing (L5DC)
This qualification builds upon the understanding gained during the NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in
Computing and further expands learners’ knowledge by introducing advanced subjects including
database design and development, information systems analysis and network security and cryptography.
Level 5 Diploma in Business (L5DB)
This qualification forms the second year of the NCC Education business degree pathway and is
equivalent to the second year of a business degree programme in the UK university system.
Level 5 Diploma in
Business (L5DB)
Delivery method: Classroom
Duration: 1 year full-time
Second year of honours degree pathway
Level 5 Diploma in
Computing (L5DC)
Delivery method: Classroom
Duration: 1 year full-time
Second year of honours degree pathway
NCC Education Level 5 Qualifications
Equivalent
A Level 5 qualification is equivalent to
the second year of a degree
programme in the UK university
system.
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Level 5 Diploma in Computing
(with Business Management)
Formerly known as the Level 5 Diploma in Business IT
Delivery method: Classroom
Duration: 1 year full-time
Second year of honours degree pathway
Level 5 Diploma in Computing
(with Cyber Security)
Formerly known as the Level 5 Diploma in Cyer Security
Delivery method: Classroom
Duration: 1 year full-time
Second year of honours degree pathway
Level 5 Diploma in Computing (with Business Management)
Formerly known as the Level 5 Diploma in Business Information Technology (L5DBIT)
Students will study a balance of academic and vocational subjects in order to provide the necessary
knowledge and skills to play a significant role in IT and business organisations.
Level 5 Diploma in Computing (with Cyber Security)
Formerly known as the Level 5 Diploma in Cyber Security)
This qualification is designed to develop the specialist skills necessary to protect and secure data
systems from ever-increasing threats in today’s evolving digital society.
NCC Education Level 5 Qualifications

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Level 5 Diploma in Computing (L5DC)
Three specialist pathways are designed to suit each student’s preference and
support progression into relevant occupational areas or on to further study
NCC Education Level 5 Qualifications
Qualification
Level 5 Diploma in
Computing (L5DC)
Level 5 Diploma in Computing
(with Business Management)
Level 5 Diploma in Computing (with
Cyber Security)
Qualifications
accepted for
entry onto the
Level 5
specialisms
NCC Education 4 Diploma in
Computing (L4DC)
NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in
Computing (L4DC)
NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in
Computing (L4DC)
NCC Education 4 Diploma in
Business IT (L4DBIT)
NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in
Computing (with Business Management)
NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in
Computing (with Business Management)
NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in
Business (L5DB)
NCC Education 4 Diploma in Business IT
(L4DBIT)
NCC Education 4 Diploma in Business IT
(L4DBIT)
A local or international qualification which is deemed to be of a similar level to the NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in
Computing (L4DC) qualification. This must be agreed with NCC Education in advance.
Equivalent
A Level 5 qualification is equivalent to
the second year of a degree
programme in the UK university
system.

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Level 5 Diploma in Computing (L5DC)
NCC Education Level 5 Qualifications
Qualification Level 5 Diploma in
Computing (L5DC)
Level 5 Diploma in Computing
(with Business Management)
Level 5 Diploma in Computing
(with Cyber Security)
Core Unit Information Systems Analysis
Specialist Units
(Mandatory)
• Database Design and
Development
• Network Security and
Cryptography
• Computing Project
• Database Design and Development
• Dynamic Websites
• Information Systems and
Organisations
• Principles of Business Operations
• Business IT Project
• Network Security Threats and Defence
Mechanisms
• Ethical Hacking and Information
Security Assessments
• Computer Forensics and Incident
Investigation
• Business IT Project
Elective Units Select 2 electives: Select 1 elective:
• Analysis, Designs and
Implementation
• Professional Issues in
IT
• Dynamic Websites
• Agile Development
• Analysis, Designs and Implementation
• Professional Issues in IT
Equivalent
A Level 5 qualification is equivalent to
the second year of a degree
programme in the UK university
system.

16. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
L3DC Skills for Life Guarantee
The lifetime skills guarantee builds on a policy
that has been in place since 2013, which allows
adults up to the age of 23 to be fully funded for
their first full level 3 qualification from the adult
education budget (FEWeek)
L4DC Kitemark
Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical
Education
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17. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
SURVEY RESULTS
(widening participation and employability)
How well does the
specification respond to the
current skills need in the
sector? (4/5)
How well do the Learning
Outcomes respond to the
knowledge, skills and
behaviours learners require?
(3.5)
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18. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
SURVEY RESULTS
(widening participation and employability)
IT administration roles for business
that are still using traditional
technology solutions and methods
• Software Developer
• DevOps Engineer
• IT Solutions Architect
• IT Project Manager
• Systems Administrator
• Tester
Can you identify specific roles which this specification
would support learners to progress to??
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19. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
SURVEY RESULTS
(widening participation and employability)
IT administration roles for business
that are still using traditional
technology solutions and methods
• Software Developer
• DevOps Engineer
• IT Solutions Architect
• IT Project Manager
• Systems Administrator
• Tester
• Customer Support Agent (ServiceDesk)
• Deskside/Field Technician
• IT Service Management
• Customer Experience (CX) Lead
Can you identify specific roles which this specification would support learners
to progress to??
"Yes, you can potentially move to
all roles in computing, but I don't
believe you are particularly well
placed to excel in any."
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20. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
SURVEY RESULTS
(widening participation and employability)
• Basic Programming (possibly tie in with Microsoft certification)
• Analysis first principals/best practice Cloud Computing
• RPA
• AI
Learning outcomes which you feel are not represented
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21. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
SURVEY RESULTS
(widening participation and employability)
Do the knowledge, skills and
understanding reflect current
knowledge and best practice in the
sector? (60%)
How well is the specification successful
in raising knowledge about and
aspiration to participation in further or
life long learning? (3/5)
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22. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
SURVEY RESULTS
(widening participation and employability)
How successful is the
specification in facilitating
exit from higher education
to employment? (4/5)
How well do the learning
outcomes support a
constructivist approach to
learning? (4/5)
“What is being asked of
the learners with regards
to tasks to complete as
part of their coursework
and exams?”
“I would encourage
proactively
encouraging &
supporting minority
groups to help level
the playing field”
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23. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
SURVEY RESULTS
(widening participation and employability)
Are the assessment methods reliable? (100%)
Assessment models? (4/5)
Does it exclude anyone? No
Does it support employability? (100%) Yes!
Yes!
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24. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
SURVEY RESULTS
(what skills and knowledge would you prioritise for the future?)
• Open Source
• Linux
• AWS
• Cloud hosting
• Cloud Computing
• RPA
• AI
• Customer Centricity
• Programming
• Analysis
• Fundamentals
• Growth mindset
• Ability to learn at pace
• Data Science skills
• DevOps
• Team-working across disciplines
• PHP
Link
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25. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
SURVEY RESULTS
Additional thoughts and comments from Expert Industry Panel
Greater partnerships between
the education sector and
industry and more proactive
dialogue around future skills
needs, likely skills gaps and how
to address these
Prepare candidates better
for embracing new
technologies, taking risk and
being able to move to a
more solutions/ business
oriented approach
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26. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
SURVEY RESULTS
Additional thoughts and comments from Expert Industry Panel
Organisations are increasingly using Cloud (Azure, AWS) instead of on-
premise computing, enabling faster business change supported by RPA
and AI to reduce costs and improve Customer (and Employee
Centricity) to create competitive advantage.
Responding to this, by examples of applicability and draw out creativity
of how companies can adopt and adapt technology to improve
experience for customers/employees
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27. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
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Panel 2021
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29. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
Recommendations / LOs
Computer Networks
1. Understand network and communication protocols
2. Understand the principles of common network topologies and architectures
3. Understand the application of network security measures
4. Be able to select and configure the hardware components of a computer network to
meet the requirements of a precise specification.
Computer Systems
1. Understand the function of computer systems
2. Be able to design computer systems
3. Be able to build and configure computer systems
4. Be able to undertake routine maintenance on computer systems
Databases
1. Understand the concepts associated with database systems
2. Understand the concepts associated with the relational model
3. Understand how to design and develop a database system
4. Be able to develop a logical database design
5. Be able to develop a database system using SQL
Designing and Developing a Website
1. Design a website to address loosely-defined requirements
2. Use web development tools to build (X)HTML- and CSS-based websites to address well-
defined specifications
3. Understand the technology and tools needed to use multimedia in the context of a
website
4. Develop test strategies and apply these to a website
5. Understand the need for Web standards
6. Understand the concepts associated with using the Internet and the World Wide Web for
business
Level 4 Diploma in Computing LOs
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30. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
Recommendations / LOs
Office Solutions Development
1. Understand how application software can support business processes
2. Be able to design and implement office solutions
3. Be able to demonstrate that business processes have been enhanced / improved
Skills for Computing
1. Be able to use various skills to support the study of Computing
2. Be able to communicate in a technical environment
3. Be able to deploy thinking skills and problem-solving paradigms in both a business and
learning context.
4. Be able to handle and present data
5. Understand the need for lifelong learning
Software Development Techniques
1. Identify and explain the key stages of software development lifecycles
2. Express, design and evaluate algorithms
3. Identify and use programming language constructs
4. Identify and use common data structures
5. Explain and use common algorithms
6. Explain and use test strategies
7. Explain how software is modularised
Designing and Developing Object-Oriented Computer Programs
1. Design object-oriented programmes to address loosely-defined problems
2. Implement object-oriented programmes from well-defined specifications
3. Develop object-oriented programs that reflect established programming and
software engineering practice
4. Develop test strategies and apply these to object-oriented programmes
5. Develop design documentation for use in program maintenance and end-user
documentation
Level 4 Diploma in Computing LOs

31. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
Recommendations / LOs
Level 5 Diploma in Computing LOs
Agile Development (E)
1. Understand the background to Agile development
2. Understand the roles within an Agile development team
3. Understand the various Agile development techniques
4. Understand an Agile development lifecycle
5. Understand the principles associated with an Agile development approach
6. Be able to apply an Agile development approach to a particular project scenario
Analysis, Design and Implementation (E)
1. Understand the seamless transition from OO Analysis to OO Design.
2. Understand how to convert OO analysis and design models to code
3. Understand the quality attributes associated with an OO development
4. Understand the concept of maintenance within an OO development environment
5. Be able to produce OO analysis and design models using a case tool
6. Be able to convert OO analysis and design models to code using an appropriate IDE
7. Be able to refactor an OO programme to improve quality
Computing Project (C)
1. Identify a suitable computing artefact and development method
2. Project manage the analysis, design, development and deployment of a computing artefact
3. Carry out the analysis for a computing artefact
4. Design a computing artefact
5. Develop a computing artefact
6. Test a computing artefact
Database Design and Development (C)
1. Understand the enterprise application of database systems
2. Understand how to enhance the design of and further develop a database system
3. Be able to enhance a logical database design
4. Be able to develop a physical database design
5. Be able to enhance a database system using SQL

32. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
Recommendations / LOs
Level 5 Diploma in Computing LOs
Dynamic Websites (E)
1. Understand the various tools and techniques used for Web Application development
2. Be able to develop data-driven websites
3. Be able to apply the various tools and techniques used to build data-driven websites
4. Understand the functions of web services
5. Be able to create and deploy web services
Information Systems Analysis (C)
1. Understand soft and hard approaches to the analysis of information systems
2. Understand the techniques associated with requirements capture
3. Understand the different viewpoints associated with IS methodologies
4. Be able to apply various analytical techniques for understanding a complex organisational
environment
5. Understand the relationship between the economic, social, political and technical factors
influencing a business problem
6. Understand and apply the principles of interface design and the requirements and
characteristics of users that motivate these
Network Security and Cryptography (C)
1. Understand the most common types of cryptographic algorithm
2. Understand the Public-key Infrastructure
3. Understand security protocols for protecting data on networks
4. Be able to digitally sign emails and files
5. Understand Vulnerability Assessments and the weakness of using passwords for authentication
6. Be able to perform simple vulnerability assessments and password audits
7. Be able to configure simple firewall architectures
8. Understand Virtual Private Networks
9. Be able to deploy wireless security
Professional Issues in IT (E)
1. Understand the social, ethical and professional issues essential to the IT profession
2. Understand a project management life cycle and associated techniques
3. Understand how to deploy a software application
4. Understand risks and the management of them in software projects
5. Understand the principles and techniques of IT service management
6. Be able to design software quality policies and procedures

33. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
Recommendations / LOs
Level 5 Diploma in Computing (with Cyber Security) LOs
Business IT Project
1. Plan and manage the development of a computing artefact
2. Gather and evaluate requirements for an IT project
3. Conduct research to support the development of a computing artefact
4. Employ software engineering techniques in the development of a computing artefact
5. Evaluate the success of a computing artefact
Computer Forensics and Incident Investigation (EC)
1. Understand the fundamental concept of computer forensics, incident response, and different
types of cybercrimes
2. Recognise the roles and responsibilities of a forensic investigator
3. Know the various phases involved in the computer forensic investigation process and the
importance of chain of custody
4. Analyse the physical and logical structure of a hard disk
5. Comprehend various types of file systems such as Windows, Linux, Mac OS and analyse various
RAID storage systems.
6. Understand the importance of data acquisition and determine the best acquisition method and
tools
7. Identify the goals, challenges and techniques of anti-forensics
8. Understand how to collect and examine volatile and non-volatile data in Windows and Linux
machines
Ethical Hacking and Information Security Assessments (EC)
1. Assess ethical and legal requirements of security assessment.
2. Understand different types of footprinting, tools and countermeasures
3. Understand different types of network scanning techniques and enumerations
countermeasures.
4. Analyse different enumerations techniques and different vulnerabilities
5. Understand the system hacking methodology
6. Compare and contrast different types of malware
7. Assess various packet sniffing techniques
8. Assess various social engineering and Dos/DDoS attack techniques.
Network Security Threats and Defence Mechanisms (EC)
1. Understand fundamental networking concepts, analyse protocols and implement
established standards.
2. Be able to assess potential vulnerabilities and threats to a network’s infrastructure.
3. Understand the working of encryption, protocols and policies.
4. Identify and analyse the issues with physical security, operating systems and Network-based
applications.
5. Understand the fundamental concept of a Firewall
6. Understand the role and workings of IDS/IPS in network defence.
7. Understand the purpose of Virtual Private Networks
Analysis, Design and Implementation
Information Systems Analysis For these 3 units see above
Professional Issues in IT

34. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
Recommendations /
Progression/ Pathways
Level 4 DC
Scotland Abertay University
Wales Bangor University
England De Montfort University Leicester
England Kingston University London
Ireland Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT)
England London Metropolitan University
England Middlesex University London
England Nottingham Trent University
Australia Southern Cross University
England The University of Northampton
England University of Central Lancashire
England University of Greenwich
England University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)
England University of Worcester
Australia Deakin University
Scotland Glasgow Caledonian University
New Zealand Unitec Institute of Technology
Level 5 DC
England University of Greenwich
England De Montfort University Leicester
Ireland Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT)
England London Metropolitan University
England Middlesex University London
England Nottingham Trent University
Australia Southern Cross University
England The University of Northampton
England University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)
England University of Greenwich
England University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)
England University of Worcester
Scotland Abertay University
Australia Deakin University
Scotland Glasgow Caledonian University
England Kingston University London
New Zealand Unitec Institute of Technology
Progression Agreements
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35. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
Recommendations / Sector and Future
Developments
2 new units in production:
Level 4 Mobile Application development
Level 5 Artificial Intelligence
Mobile Application Development
Understand the scope and position of mobile apps within the context of software development.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the range of current development architectures, platforms, languages and tools.
Plan and design a mobile application with appropriate features.
Develop application functionality with an appropriate programming language and software development kit (SDK).
Employ Object Oriented techniques in development of a mobile App
Artificial Intelligence
Understand the importance of AI and its applications.
Apply a range of well-established AI search strategies and knowledge representation techniques in problem solving.
Assess a range of well-established techniques for reasoning with uncertain knowledge.
Understand a range of machine learning techniques.
Understand the range of AI techniques that are being applied in industry or research.
Implement and evaluate a range of AI models and techniques for solving real-world problems.
Survey recommendations
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36. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
Open discussion: The future of
digital skills and learning
Digital skills gaps such as e-commerce, coding, data analytics, cybersecurity, and cloud
computing (cited by 42% of employers) in the Mind the Skills Gap Survey (CIMA)
When asked about working in a digital workplace, 7 in 10 (70%) SME employees said that
they feel prepared Mind the Skills Gap Survey (CIMA)
Upskilling has the potential to boost global domestic product by US $6.5 Trillion and create 5.3
million jobs by 2030 (World Economic Forum)
Demand for people with high-level digital skills is greater than the supply of suitably qualified
employees globally (World Economic Forum)
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37. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
NEXT STEPS
Join our formal panel every three years
Annual update every year
Get involved in the future of learning!
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38. Expert Industry
Panel 2021
THANK YOU
For being a 2021
Expert Panel Board Member