100 Agencies Go Back to School for BIMA Digital Day

Today, digital experts from 100 agencies are heading to schools across the country to take part in BIMA Digital Day, a nationwide initiative that bridges the gap between young people and the digital industry. 

Digital professionals from agencies including WCRS, SapientNitro, DigitasLBi, Lowe Profero, Amaze, Redweb and Zone, will give participating students insight into life in the industry before using specially-created resources to facilitate a workshop featuring challenges themed around connected devices, social media and mobile apps. The ideas developed by the schools will then be entered into a nationwide Digital Day competition, with the winning team crowned as Digital Day Grand Prix winners.

Digital Day aims to inspire the next generation of digital talent, against the backdrop of a growing digital skills shortage in the UK. A recent report commissioned by O2 estimates that the UK will need 750,000 more digitally-skilled workers in its economy by 2017, to capitalise on an estimated £12 billion opportunity. 

At last year’s event, 4,000 students from 100 schools across the UK got the chance to work with mentors from 100 of the UK’s leading digital agencies, including DigitasLBi, SapientNitro, Amaze, Redweb and POSSIBLE. A survey conducted by digital marketing and technology consultancy Amaze in conjunction with BIMA found that 87% of young people participating in D-Day 2013 were now more likely to consider a career in digital.

Abi Ellis, Group Creative Director at DigitasLBi said: “Digital can transform lives. It's a leveller. You don't have to rich, privileged or great at writing essays to be a digital ninja. You just need bags of curiosity and a belief that anything is possible. 

Going into schools to inspire young people to join our industry is an honour. On past Digital Days, I've been astounded by the brilliance and clarity of ideas. I leave invigorated and I hope those who take part are left believing they have what it takes to have a successful and joyful career in digital.” 

Andrew Henning, CEO at Redweb and BIMA Executive member said: “We’re thrilled to have so many of the UK’s leading agencies taking part in Digital Day. 

Today gives us the opportunity to make a real impression on young people who may not have considered a career in digital before. We can’t wait to hear how the schools and agencies involved get on with their challenges.”