What is Digital Day 2020?
The only initiative of its kind, BIMA Digital Day gives 11-16 year olds an insight into a world of digital careers. Students compete in a sponsored, nationwide digital challenge for a chance to win £500 cash for their school and some fantastic prizes for themselves.
Why Does Digital Day Matter?
It’s a day that brings digital to life. And if previous years are anything to go by, it’s a day that changes lives. Not so long ago, 95% of BIMA members told us a lack of skills was holding back their growth. The Centre for Economics and Business Research agreed, saying the shortage of tech and digital talent is costing the UK £21.8bn.
Pandemic aside, digital has been growing at twice the rate of the broader economy. But unless we fix the skills shortage, that can’t continue. Digital Day works for schools. It works for students. It works for the sector as a whole in encouraging more young people to discover the potential of a digital career. And with every passing year, it matters more than ever.
As you might expect, this year’s Digital Day will look and feel rather different. If you’ve been part of the day before, here’s how it’s changed in light of Covid:
A Digital Day Done Differently
Open To Everyone
This year we will not be going into schools, we will be running Digital Day online. This means that everyone gets the same access to top professional expertise. So wherever you are in the UK, getting involved is easy.
Digital Day Month
We love the creative burst of doing Digital Day in a day. Yet moving online has enabled us to do more this year, with 4 weekly modules throughout November. For your students, that means they enjoy greater depth and detail. For your school, it means you can shift and schedule activities to suit you – because we know how important flexibility is right now.
One Big Brief
All students will be working to a single brief this year, although the scope of that brief will be big enough to include several scenarios (so students still get plenty of choice and flexibility in their approach). We’re excited to say that we’ll be announcing our Digital Day partner for this year soon.
Well Supported
Coronavirus restrictions prevent us from sending digital professionals into your school this year, so we’ve designed the challenge accordingly and you should find the online support is all you’ll need to complete it. If, however, you’d like the support of the agency you worked with last year – or another local company – you’re free to approach them and we’ll provide guidance on how to do that.
There are a number of ways agencies and brands can get involved this year. Unlike previous years’ we will not be sending you into schools but we are looking for support in other ways.
Please contact alise@bima.co.uk to find out more.