Supported by the European Social Fund, the Digital Grid Partnership provides SMEs with a package of support to help them grow their business, build their profile and source new customers.
Industries and organisations are rapidly evolving. Within the next 20 years, it’s estimated that 90% of all roles will require digital skills, making it vital that businesses are proactive in preparing for future technological change – a challenge that brings even greater pressure for Small-to-Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).
What is the Digital Grid Partnership?
Supported by the Mayor of London and funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), the Digital Grid Partnership brings together further and higher education institutions with start-ups, SMEs and micro-enterprises to build digital skills and capacity, enabling businesses to remain competitive and resilient against significant shifts in the developing tech sector.
These collaborations also identify potential gaps in existing educational qualifications while using vital industry insight to shape the qualifications of the future.
What we offer
As a Digital Grid partner, London College of Communication (LCC) offers a package of free, expert support to eligible participants including:
- An online digital marketing workshop, which enables organisations to develop innovative strategies and explore tools, practices and industry trends.
- The opportunity to host a paid placement student or graduate remotely, who can bring their creative skills and digital knowledge to build organisational capacity and expertise. In turn, this provides invaluable experience and a solid foundation for their career.
Who we work with
This programme is open to registered start-ups, SMEs and micro-enterprises based in London with less than 250 employees and an annual turnover of below £45 million.
Previous participants have included the Ivors Academy - one of the largest professional associations for music writers in Europe – which hosted LCC graduate Hannah Mayall to provide vital support in graphic design.
Partners
LCC works alongside a number of Digital Grid partners who have also been selected for their expertise in the digital and technology sectors, as well as their track record of successful project delivery:
- Newham College
- Loughborough University
- London Barnet Southgate College
- Richmond upon Thames College
- London South Bank University
- Goldsmiths, University of London
Innovation stories
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Image credit: Still from 'Say NO to cancer' by Kaylah Ali. BA (Hons) Animation students develop campaigns with NHS South East CCG
Freya McArthur, Dan Pope and Kaylah Ali discuss how they were able to address sensitive health issues while empowering audiences through their creative practice.
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Image taken from 'Bridging the Gaps', a publication on research and public engagement in the Media School developed by students on MA Publishing at London College of Communication. Mentoring Spotlight: Preeti Buljhoo x Jonathan Paterson
MA Publishing graduate Preeti Buljhoo and her mentor, editor and journalist Jonathan Paterson, discuss their experiences of taking part in LCC's Industry Mentoring Programme.
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Examples of work from Karl-Lydie's MA portfolio. Image credit: Karl-Lydie Jean-Baptiste. Mentoring Spotlight: Karl-Lydie Jean-Baptiste x Melissa Quashie
We chat to MA Public Relations graduate Karl-Lydie Jean-Baptiste and her mentor, publicity manager Melissa Quashie, about their experiences of taking part in the LCC Industry Mentoring Programme.
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Image credit: Inês Segadaes, Elena Ferrari, Zhifei Chen, Yuni Lee, Xinyu Yang and Giuseppe Mauro, MA Graphic Branding and Identity. MA Graphic Branding and Identity students develop plant-based concepts for Kraft Heinz
Inês Segadaes and Elena Ferrari discuss their experience of collaborating with a global brand and the importance of graphic storytelling.