BMet’s Digital Learning Academy Marks One Year of Success with Enhanced Access and Popular Courses
One year after its successful launch during Birmingham Tech Week 2023, BMET’s Digital Learning Academy is celebrating continued growth and success, with over 5,400 learners engaging with industry-recognised digital skills training through the iDEA (Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award) platform.
Over the past 12 months, the academy has gone from strength to strength, with students actively engaging in digital learning and earning badges to enhance their skills in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The impact has been remarkable, with BMet students earning over 34,000 digital badges on iDEA.org.uk across essential areas like cybersecurity, digital marketing, and coding. 400 students have achieved their iDEA Bronze Award – a significant milestone that demonstrates comprehensive digital skills development – while 12 ambitious learners have already progressed to achieve their Silver Award.
Digital Learning Academy Fact box: Note:
By completing online modules through the iDEA platform, students can achieve various badges:
All badges are specially designed to help learners be one step ahead when progressing to jobs or universities. There are different levels to achieve, and students will be completing the Bronze Award and new Silver Award. |
With Birmingham Tech Week well underway the college has unveiled the next enhancement to the academy – easier access for students. To make the learning process even more seamless, BMet has introduced a new Single Sign-On (SSO) system, allowing students to log in with their college email credentials via Microsoft’s secure platform. This development makes it easier for students to access the academy and start working on the wide range of courses available.
Among the many modules offered, one of the most popular is the “Staying Safe Online” course, which teaches essential skills for navigating the internet securely. The focus on digital safety resonates with learners, reinforcing the importance of safety and cybersecurity in today’s digital world. This and other digital badges earned through iDEA provide students with recognised credentials they can showcase to future employers and education institutions.
BMet as part of the Skills WMW collective of colleges and training providers is one of the bronze sponsors of Birmingham Tech Week 2024
Vice Principal for External Development at BMet and Chair of Skills WMW, Suzie Branch-Haddow, praised the progress of the Digital Learning Academy: “It’s incredible to see how much our students have achieved in just a year.
“The introduction of Single Sign-On has made it even easier for learners to access the platform, and the popularity of the ‘Staying Safe Online’ course highlights the importance of equipping students with digital safety skills.
“This success demonstrates how education can drive positive change in the digital landscape and help to address any digital skills gap in industry.”
With over 2,000 students engaging and actively earning digital badges through iDEA so far this academic year alone, BMet continues to lead the way in fostering the digital skills needed for the future.
The numbers tell a compelling story of success:
- 400 students have completed their Bronze Award.
- 34,005 total iDEA badges have been completed.
- 5,529 learners have signed up to iDEA.
- 12 Learners have stepped up to achieve their Silver Award – a new addition this academic year.
Suzie Branch-Haddow added: “This academy is having such a positive impact on our students, helping them to enhance their broader digital skills and help with work ready skills. As well as gaining key digital skills, students will also continue to secure essential skills like team working, critical thinking, adaptability, and communication, that are important to future employers.”
Polly Morgan, CEO of iDEA Foundation commented: “BMet’s iDEA achievements with the Digital Learning Academy are truly inspiring. To see over 34,000 iDEA badges earned and nearly 400 Bronze Inspiring Digital Enterprise Awards achieved in just one year shows the incredible dedication of both the college and its students.
“What’s particularly exciting is that students are now progressing to Silver Awards, demonstrating their growing digital confidence and ambition.
“BMet’s support helped us launch the Microsoft Single Sign-On integration, a feature we’re now rolling out to benefit thousands of learners at educational institutions across the country.
“Every badge earned on iDEA represents a new skill mastered and a step towards a brighter future. We’re proud to be part of BMet’s journey in fostering the next generation of digital talent in Birmingham.”
BMet’s students are taking part in a range of key activities happening across the city for Birmingham Tech Week – look out for more on BMet’s news section of the website and on our social media channels.