Latest news with #digitalskills
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
DESC opens registration for the Cyberspace Leaders Program 2025
Program kicks off on 30 June and runs for two weeks Designed to develop digital skills and cyber awareness among the next generation H.E Al Shaibani: 'We are shaping future leaders by equipping them with the digital expertise and cybersecurity awareness needed to safeguard our digital society' Dubai, UAE: The Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) has announced the opening of registration for the latest edition of its summer Cyberspace Leaders Program, tailored for school students aged 13 to 18. Taking place at the University of Dubai from 30 June to 10 July, the program will run daily from 9 AM to 1 PM, offering an interactive educational environment designed to develop digital skills and raise awareness of cybersecurity challenges among the next generation. Organized in collaboration with the Dubai Cyber Innovation Park (DCIPark), the University of Dubai, EMT, and Tech Firm, the program reflects the Center's continued commitment to fostering a culture of cybersecurity, equipping youth with the knowledge and tools to protect digital ecosystems, and contributing to the creation of a secure, sustainable digital society. H.E. Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Chief Executive of the Dubai Electronic Security Center, said: 'The launch of the Cyberspace Leaders Program forms part of an integrated initiative aimed at preparing a digitally aware and capable generation. This supports the Center's vision to embed cybersecurity knowledge within society and empower young national talent to lead the protection of Dubai's cyberspace in the years ahead. Empowering future generations with specialized digital expertise is a cornerstone for strengthening Dubai's global competitiveness and advancing toward a secure and technology-driven digital future.' Program Agenda The training program will feature a series of specialized lectures and hands-on workshops, delivered through an interactive approach that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application. This ensures students grasp the fundamentals of cybersecurity in a simplified and engaging way. In the first week, students will take part in introductory sessions covering cybersecurity basics, participate in workshops on creating strong passwords and practicing digital hygiene, and compete in interactive challenges designed to test their knowledge and encourage a spirit of friendly competition. The program also offers advanced sessions on antivirus technologies and Wi-Fi network protection, along with practical workshops on setting up home security systems, identifying the most common modern cyber threats, and learning effective prevention methods. To foster critical thinking and innovation, the program includes dedicated sessions on hardware-level cybersecurity. These feature analytical activities that empower students to design secure digital solutions inspired by cutting-edge global technologies. This rich educational experience is further enhanced by a range of interactive, entertainment-based activities such as code-breaking games, cybersecurity-themed crossword puzzles, and awareness-building sessions, delivered in a fun and stimulating way to help embed cybersecurity knowledge in students' minds. Students interested in registering for the Program can visit the link below:
BBC News
09-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Moorcroft Pottery workers get IT lessons to help job search
Former Moorcroft Pottery workers are being given laptops and IT lessons to help them get back into Burslem-based firm went bust in May, with the loss of 57 women are being helped to improve their digital skills with the help of Stoke-on-Trent City Council and training service Wavemaker."It's all around empowering people with the confidence, kit and skills," said Wavemaker co-founder Ben McManus. Many of the workers had been at the pottery company since leaving school, said Louise Edwards, who was painter for 21 years."So we don't have the skills for the future jobs market," she laptops and lessons are being paid for through government funding, and the course is being run at the GMB Union's offices in Hanley. Just turning the computer on had been a "big thing when you've painted pots for 38 years," said Hayley Moore."When you're in your fifties, you don't really want to start learning something new, but if that's what it takes, that's what it takes," she hunger to learn new skills, and the worker's resilience during stressful circumstances had been "infectious," said Mr McManus. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Forbes
30-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How To Build AI Literacy: 16 Ways To Stay Relevant As A Professional
For a professional, staying relevant in a highly competitive landscape means continuously evolving. Today, that includes developing a strong grasp of how to leverage artificial intelligence in the workplace. You don't need to become an expert overnight, but building AI literacy and sharpening your digital skills can help you lead more effectively, make smarter decisions and stand out in your field. Below, 16 Forbes Coaches Council members share the practical tips and insights they would share with their own clients to help build confidence with AI and strengthen digital competencies. Whether you're exploring new career opportunities, stepping into a leadership role or simply aiming to keep up with change, these tips can help set you up for long-term success. Staying relevant in today's professional landscape isn't about becoming a tech expert. It's about embracing a mindset of adaptability, curiosity and intentional learning. In my work with clients, our focus isn't on chasing every new tool; it's on understanding how digital trends intersect with their industry, influence decision-making and shift what teams expect from their leaders. - Gina Martin, Gina Martin Coaching It is critical to guide clients to embrace AI by demystifying its role in their industry, offering hands-on tools and use cases and showing them how to integrate it into their daily work. Staying relevant means learning continuously—those who don't adapt risk falling behind. Leaders should always stay ahead, not play catch-up. - Tinna Jackson, Jackson Consulting Group, LLC I'd focus on three areas: mindset, skill set and action. I'd have clients state why this matters, then foster a growth mindset and commitment to continuous learning. Then, I'd guide them to relevant learning aids to build foundational AI knowledge, including its relevance to their industry. Finally, I'd help them apply their learning through projects or tools to improve their digital competency. - Ula Ojiaku, Mezahab Group I'd immerse them in 'real-world'' role-play labs: AI-simulated market shifts where they must adapt in real time—not theory, not tutorials, but lived, gamified disruption. Because relevance isn't taught; it's trained through tension, experimentation and reflection in synthetic futures. - Andre Shojaie, HumanLearn Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify? We encourage our clients to set aside time each week to understand the changes that are occurring in AI each week, and to put intentionality behind the time they spend to become and/or stay relevant. We also stay relevant in the latest AI updates ourselves in order to serve our clients better. At the very least, we recommend that our clients delegate or outsource the required digital competencies in order to remain relevant. - Gregg Frederick, G3 Development Group, Inc It is all about how AI is being grafted into your field. We are connecting clients to key classes, workshops and learnings that directly impact, and are being integrated into, their profession and work. It's not about going crazy and running to every 'must-see' AI seminar. It is about how you can learn what is being, and what will be, applied to your role, your job, your industry and your company. - John M. O'Connor, Career Pro Inc. AI is moving at such a pace that nobody can ever claim to have 'cracked it'—it's a consistently moving target with more to learn every day. Remember, almost every profession has to perform, record and submit some form of minimum continuous professional development hours per year in order to remain accredited. For a leader, their personal CPD hours now have to be AI-based. - Antonio Garrido, My Daily Leadership Start with curiosity, not code. I tell clients: You don't need to become an AI engineer; you need to know what questions to ask and what tools to use. Focus on use cases, not buzzwords. Relevance today means knowing enough to lead smart conversations, spot nonsense and stay ahead of the curve—without getting lost in the algorithm. - Anastasia Paruntseva, Visionary Partners Ltd. Encourage a digital mindset shift. We help clients shift from being passive tech users to strategic AI collaborators by: 1. framing AI as a partner, not a replacement; 2. encouraging experimentation with AI on safe, low-risk tasks (that is, those in which they have expertise so that AI hallucinations can be easily spotted); and 3. emphasizing ethics, data privacy and bias awareness in AI use. - Nick Leighton, Exactly Where You Want to Be I would start by turning AI literacy into a team sport rather than a solo study session. We would form a micro-learning pod where the client teaches one AI concept per week to their peers or even their kids, using plain language and silly metaphors. Relevance is not about mastering every tool; it is about making tech human and relatable, starting with oneself. AI is a friend; embrace it. - Thomas Lim, Centre for Systems Leadership (SIM Academy) I'd show clients (not tell them) how AI can solve everyday challenges. For instance, if they're in sales, I'd demonstrate how AI can automate lead scoring, saving them time and boosting sales. By showing the immediate benefits—like freeing up time or making smarter decisions—I'd help them see how AI can make their work easier and more impactful, sparking real excitement. - Shikha Bajaj, Own Your Color The fastest way to build AI literacy is to start using it. Explore what works in your role—using AI to polish or proof your writing or brainstorm ideas, for example—and where it may fall short, such as accurately pulling data or citations. As you do, check your company's guidelines on approved tools and confidentiality to ensure you're using AI responsibly. - Kathleen Shanley, Statice To stay relevant, I'd help clients understand how AI agents can optimize workflows, enhance decision-making and drive efficiency. We'd focus on practical learning—starting with data quality, bias detection and real use cases—so that they could confidently identify where AI adds value and how it complements their expertise. - Stephan Lendi, Newbury Media & Communications GmbH Focus on understanding your problems and existing solutions. You don't need to be an AI expert, but you should know how to use AI to solve your issues efficiently. Assess your skills, provide targeted training, encourage practical application, promote continuous learning, leverage AI tools and build a supportive network. This approach ensures you stay competitive and effective. - Aurelien Mangano, DevelUpLeaders AI is here, and it is not going away, so you either invest your time in becoming AI literate or you become obsolete. There are many online courses (including some good free ones) that start with the basics of what AI is and is not. I also encourage you to look into courses that discuss the application of AI in your particular field and industry. Talk to your engineers. Try AI copiloting with a virtual assistant in your downtime. - Katy MacKinnon Hansell, Katy Hansell Impact Partners I'd guide clients to adopt an AI copilot mindset—using AI as a thinking partner, not just a tool. Then we'd layer in weekly challenges with real tasks and real stakes, designed to build prompt fluency, pattern recognition and adaptive thinking. In a fast-forward world, relevance goes to those who upgrade how they think. - Adam Levine, InnerXLab
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Digital skills dominate job market in Jordan's banking sector
AMMAN — A recent study by the Association of Banks in Jordan (ABJ) has identified the most in-demand university majors in the Kingdom's banking sector, highlighting a growing need for digital and technical skills in the industry. According to the ABJ statement sent to The Jordan Times, the most sought-after majors include Accounting, Finance and Banking, Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Business Administration, and Cybersecurity. While Jordanian universities are increasingly aware of the need to update academic programmes in line with digital transformation, the ABJ noted that a gap persists between graduates' qualifications and the rapidly evolving demands of the banking sector, particularly in fintech and digitalisation. The study also revealed that more than 50 per cent of financial institutions in Jordan now consider data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) skills essential for entry-level roles. Positions such as big data analyst, AI specialist, financial data analyst, tech risk analyst, digital officer, and banking app developer are among the fastest-growing roles in the sector, the study found. 'In 2024, recent graduates accounted for nearly half of all new hires in the banking sector, indicating a clear trend among banks to integrate young talent into the industry,' the ABJ stated. Commenting on the findings, financial analyst Yousef Suboh told The Jordan Times that 'Banks are not only seeking to modernise their operations through digital solutions, but also to invest in a younger, tech-competent workforce capable of adapting to emerging trends in fintech, AI, and data-driven decision-making.' He added that demand for such skills is likely to grow as financial institutions expand their digital offerings. Economist Majed Shari said: 'Adapting to the digital era is no longer optional for banks; it is a necessity.' He stressed that financial institutions are now focused on building a workforce equipped to navigate complex financial ecosystems and drive innovation. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Artemis Education partners with CodiPlay to deliver programming and robotics across its schools in Qatar and Europe
DOHA, QATAR – Artemis Education, a growing private international schools' group with a mission to improve access to outstanding education, announced, today, a strategic partnership with CodiPlay, a global edtech platform that empowers students to master the fundamentals of programming, robotics, and digital thinking through immersive, AI-powered experiences. CodiPlay is redefining the way digital skills are taught in classrooms, helping young learners grasp key programming concepts, while building algorithmic thinking and pattern recognition. Through an engaging mobile-first platform, the platform offers a structured progression of digital skills — from understanding algorithms, sequences, and loops, to mastering real-world programming languages like Python, Scratch, and C++. Learners can also engage in hands-on experiences via robotics kits, bridging the gap between theory and innovation. By integrating CodiPlay into the curriculum, Artemis Education reinforces its commitment to delivering an outstanding, future-focused education, where understanding digital tools and being comfortable with technology are crucial to the educational journey. This collaboration significantly enhances students' opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy from an early age, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. "At Artemis Education, we are building schools that prepare young people for the real world," said Niall Brennan, CEO of Artemis Education. "Our partnership with CodiPlay strengthens our curriculum with practical digital skills and innovative learning experiences that reflect the future our students are growing into." 'In the 21st century, digital skills are not optional — they are the new literacy. At CodiPlay, we are building a full ecosystem to equip every child, regardless of geography, with the tools to succeed in a world shaped by technology. This partnership with Artemis Education is not just about teaching code — it's about preparing a generation to lead, create, and thrive in the digital age,' said Zhanadil Taldybayev, CEO and Founder of CodiPlay. This partnership will make CodiPlay's platform accessible to all students across Artemis schools in the Middle East and Europe, embedding coding and robotics into everyday classroom learning. CodiPlay is already present in over 1200 schools, across 13 countries and recently secured $9 million in Series A funding to support its global expansion, particularly in the MENA region. Notably, CodiPlay is recognized as a Digital Public Good (DPG) by UNICEF, affirming its alignment with international standards for open, inclusive, and accessible educational technology. For media enquiries, please contact: Lauren Fryer, Head of Marketing, Artemis Education: About Artemis Education: Artemis Education is a growing private international schools' group with a mission to improve access to outstanding education. We deliver incredible, whole-child education focusing on academic rigour, and the accredited curricula we offer are enriched by dynamic extracurricular experiences. We concentrate on universal values, individual growth, and holistic development to enable children to realise their full potential, build resilience, and become responsible citizens of the world. Our schools combine best-in-class staff, inspirational facilities, and innovative use of technology that enhances the effectiveness of our teaching. We design the majority of our schools from the ground up, building new-generation campuses. Sustainability metrics are at the core of the design of our facilities and how we operate. We have an ambitious programme to meet the growing demand from parents seeking a high-quality, international education in Europe and the Middle East. About CodiPlay CodiPlay offers a mobile app designed to teach coding fundamentals in a fun, interactive way. It supports programming languages like Python, Scratch, and C++, and uses gamified lessons to help children grasp key concepts such as algorithms, loops, and conditional logic. The app also enables users to simulate and build real-world IoT projects directly from their smartphones, eliminating the need for a computer. Notes to the editor: CodiPlay offers a unique mobile-first approach, allowing students to learn coding concepts and even simulate IoT projects directly on their smartphones. Key features include: Gamified Learning: Interactive lessons featuring points and challenges to maintain student engagement. IoT Integration: Tools for building and simulating smart devices, fostering practical application of coding skills. CodiKit: Optional hardware kits with sensors for hands-on project creation. CodiTeach: A dedicated platform enabling educators to monitor progress, assign tasks, and manage learning effectively.
