Digital Economy Heads of the Valleys (DEHOV)
Digital technology has grown at an incredible pace bringing with it ever changing ways of conducting business and managing information. Today's companies need to understand how to utilise the digital economy in order to gain efficiencies and competitive advantage. Offered through UHOVI, DEHOV is a Work-Based Learning Project designed to equip employers and employees with the skills needed to succeed in this digital age.
We offer a portfolio of courses focusing on the understanding and use of business technologies for the digital economy. Our courses are developed to reflect the needs of industry in the region, encouraging professional development of all staff.
With the help of industry experts at the University of Wales, Newport and University of Glamorgan, we deliver a wide range of accredited modules plus we can develop a learning package tailored to provide real benefits for your business.
Backed by the Welsh Government, the DEHOV Project is funded via the EU's Convergence European Social Fund (ESF). This means you get the best resources available, dedicated to the training and up-skilling of the local workforce. And if you operate in the private or third sector and live and/or work in West Wales and the Valleys, you may be entitled to fully or partly funded training.
DEHOV is part of the Work Based Learning Valleys, programme. Funding has been made available by the Convergence European Social Fund, through the Welsh Government. If you are in private sector employment, living and/or working in the Convergence region of Wales you may be entitled to a fully or part funded place on a course. (conditions apply)
You will have access to the best resources available, dedicated to the training and up-skilling of the local workforce.
Why DEHOV?
DEHOV is specifically designed to assist local employers and employees to gain skills and knowledge in IT related subjects, to ultimately help improve overall business performance.
Benefits to Employers:
- Highly skilled workforce
- Full or part-funded training
- Local training or even training directly within the workplace
- Packages can be customised to deliver maximum benefit to your business
Benefits to Employees:
- Full or part-funded training
- Qualifications ranging from short courses to Foundation Degrees, with progression available beyond
- Accredited courses delivered by both the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport
- Training delivered locally, or within your workplace, to fit your time and availability
- Increases your skills and employability.
Below are a number of frequently asked questions. If you have a query not covered here or if you want to find out more, please call us on 0800 1223 220 or email enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk
Why would you need this training?
In order to use and utilise IT proficiently enough to gain the benefits listed above, you will need to ensure that you and your employees have the skills and knowledge required.
- You may have received training previously that gave you a good basic understanding of IT, but now you need to move onto the next stage.
- You may have a sound, basic knowledge of IT and know what you'd like to achieve, but don't have the exact skills, or depth of knowledge required to put those plans in place.
- You may have outsourced some of your IT requirements and are already realising some of the above benefits, but may want to put yourself more in control by managing your IT in-house (and subsequently cut your costs).
- You may need to ensure that your employees have a clear progression path. If they are interested in IT, utilising the training may be the best route forward for the business and the employee.
How can the DEHOV project help you?
As an employer in the Valleys region of Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Torfaen we are able to offer work based, accredited training for you and your employees in IT related subjects that are relevant to you and your business.
What is the cost of the training?
The DEHOV Project is funded by the European Social Fund, therefore training could be full or part-funded - please talk to us.
What is the level of training offered?
The level of training offered (levels 4 & 5 of the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales) is a progression from any basic training you may have received previously, enabling you to gain the confidence and skills required to implement your IT goals.
What do you need to do to benefit from the Project?
Contact us - we will then arrange to come and see you to establish your needs and requirements and take it from there.
When and where will the training take place?
The training can be delivered at a time and place suitable for you and your employees, which means it meets the needs of your business. You may have facilities at your own premises that could be used, or there may be facilities close to your business. We also have dedicated learning facilities at Ebbw Vale and Merthyr Tydfil. The training isn't restricted by term dates or times - it can be delivered to fit around your business schedule.
How long are the courses?
The format of the training can be customised to you and your needs - short courses, workshops, and bite-size modules. So, again, it is dependent on what you want to achieve.
What courses are available?
Some of the areas that are currently available are:
- Computer aided design (2D and 3D CAD)
- Computer gaming development and interactive media authoring
- Computer networks and security
- Computerised accounting and payroll systems e.g. SAGE
- Databases and information systems for business
- Graphics and desk-top publishing
- Microsoft Office - advanced training in Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Publisher
- PC hardware maintenance & repair
- Programming and software design including mobile applications
- Project planning and management software
- Social networking systems for business
- Web design - building and maintaining sites
Please call us if you have training needs not covered in this list. Further courses are in development plus we can access a wide range of modules and expertise through our university partners.
Do all the courses lead to a recognised qualification?
All the courses are accredited so participants will gain credits, which can be used towards further qualifications, if required.
Participant feedback
Don't just take our word for how valuable DEHOV can be for you or your company. See what some of the participants from local businesses have to say.