Pupils in Glasgow were inspired to work in the world of digital marketing when a Scottish tech transformation agency paid them a visit at school.
To mark BIMA Digital Day (10 November), Equator held a session for S3 students at Bellshill Academy.
The discussion included topics such as what it’s like to work at a digital marketing agency and what to expect from a client brief.
Pupils were also set a real-life topical challenge by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on climate change.
They were then tasked with responding to the brief with digital solutions, presenting back to the Equator team Dragons’ Den style.
The BIMA Digital Day is a UK-wide initiative and the only one of its kind to give 11–16-year-olds an insight into the world of digital careers, helping to bring digital to life.
BIMA – the British Interactive Media Association – is a not-for-profit industry body representing the digital industry.
With research from the Centre for Economics and Business Research showing that the shortage of tech and digital talent is costing the UK £21.8 billion, coupled with 95 per cent of BIMA members voicing that a lack of skills were holding back their ability to grow, the need for young people to consider a career in digital has never been greater.
As part of the Digital Day, students are allowed to compete in a sponsored, nationwide digital challenge for a chance to win £500 cash for their school and win some great prizes for themselves.
Fiona Gray, marketing director of Equator, said: “The BIMA Digital Day is one of the highlights of my year. I love working in digital marketing, it’s an industry which is fast-paced, ever-evolving, and continually growing, and an exciting career choice for those who are just entering the workforce, are considering their options and have the necessary drive required. We had a fantastic time with the pupils at Bellshill Academy who showed a real enthusiasm.
“With the digital industry growing at twice the rate of the broader economy, there is a great need for fresh talent to enter the industry in order for it to continue to grow. It was our desire to inspire Bellshill pupils to consider a career in digital, and the BIMA Digital Day provided the platform to help us to achieve that.”
Michelle Higgins, principal teacher of art, design and developing the young workforce (DYW) at Bellshill Academy, said: “The BIMA Digital Day is a great opportunity for our school pupils to engage with the world of work. Each year we receive great feedback from our pupils on the relevance of this event, and how useful it is to network with industry leaders. Partnerships such as these are key to supporting our pupils in their career pathways and developing the young workforce.”