Barclays and the International Centre for Technology (ICT) have embarked on a joint mission to increase digital skills in the Isle of Man through the promotion of Barclays’ online learning platform Digital Wings.

Digital Wings is a free online and app-based interactive learning tool which is available to anyone who wants to further their digital skills no matter what age or digital ability.

The platform, originally launched as the Barclays’ Digital Driving Licence, was initially only available to Barclays’ employees to help them stay up to date with technology but after receiving a huge amount of positive feedback Barclays decided to make the platform available to everyone.

Digital Wings covers a range of digital areas including coding, analytics, online safety and software and operating systems and every module is endorsed by City & Guilds.

Users can learn specific skills such as how to build an app, how to get started with social media, how to avoid online scams and how to set up parental controls to keep children safe online.

The topics are specially developed with experts such as Accenture, IBM and Microsoft to bring together a bank of digital knowledge which is regularly updated with new content.

The ICT in partnership with the University College Isle of Man, promotes the benefits of IT to organisations and individuals in the island.

The ICT is looking to become a focus point for technology in the island with a combination of students and IT business start-ups, generating a unique culture and energy - which will hopefully lead to some great businesses for the island and the ability to attract top talent.

The Digital Wings programme will be promoted to local students and individuals as part of the organisation’s range of courses and training solutions.

PJ Vermeulen, business development officer for the ICT, said: ’The International Centre for Technology is committed to helping islanders improve their digital knowledge to make the Isle of Man one of the most IT skilled countries in the world.

’With the help of Isle of Man companies like Barclays, we are looking to develop the Isle of Man’s IT capability collectively and prepare young islanders for working in a technology-enabled world. Barclays’ Digital Wings platform provides valuable information about the digital world and will hopefully encourage people to practice continuous learning because it is so accessible and easy to use.’

Managing director of Barclays in the Isle of Man, Simon Scott, said: ’Barclays is passionate about giving people the confidence they need to do more with digital and the Digital Wings platform is an easy way to boost your knowledge through a range of online tutorials focusing on key digital areas. The ICT does a huge amount of work with local students to help foster the link between education and the development of the Manx economy so we think it’s great that the organisation will be helping to promote the Digital Wings programme locally’.