From the digital gap to a future in tech: How Vodafone is supporting 10,000 people with unlimited learning

Digital skills are critical for people of all ages to study, work and communicate effectively. But across Europe, a third of workers lack basic digital skills, according to the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI). [1] And in Africa, the World Economic Forum states that 230 million jobs will require digital skills by 2030 [2] which is why we have teamed up with our digital learning provider Skillsoft, to give students an opportunity to grow their skills. 

At Vodafone, we’re committed to bridging the digital divide and believe that everybody should have access to the knowledge, skills, and technologies that are driving our world forward. We’re on a mission to close the digital skills gap by upskilling as many people as possible, from the underprivileged and vulnerable to people just starting out in their career. 

Our graduate and apprenticeship programmes, plus our internship and mentoring initiatives allow for those who have already secured a position with us to grow their career whilst at Vodafone. We are also committed to developing a truly digital society, equipping people with digital skills who do not work for us; this way, everyone

Digital career starter 

We are pleased to offer students in the UK and across Africa, in Egypt, Lesotho, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa access to online learning through our partnership with online learning provider, Skillsoft. Over the course of the year, students who have applied with us will benefit from unlimited access to digital learning opportunities and accredited certifications in sought-after tech fields such as coding, cyber security and generative AI; as well as skills such as leadership and problem solving. 

To date, over 500 students have now registered and accessed content, transforming their learning experience through personalised content tailored to their needs. This takes us a step closer to empowering the next generation with the skills they need to unlock their full potential and secure careers in the future. 

Fostering future talent 

We’re not stopping there. Campus Lab is an early careers initiative aimed at students across Europe looking to build their futures in tech. This programme allows participating students to showcase their skills and talents with real-world problems and gain experience and insight that could turbo charge their future. 

Participants get to build their own multidisciplinary and multinational teams and together take part in challenges, where they put to practice skills such as teamwork, conflict management, leadership and problem-solving.  

In addition to applying what they’ve learnt at university, they get access to industry leaders and receive mentoring from top experts across Vodafone – before presenting their ideas to the Vodafone board.