Bridging the Digital Skills Gap with a Focused Student Initiative

The rapid evolution of technology has created a significantgap between the skills taught in higher education and those required byemployers. Digital Skills Week at Salford Business School (SBS) aimed to bridgethis gap by equipping students with essential digital competencies, focusing ontechnologies such as AI and Microsoft Office. The initiative was developed inresponse to the increasing demand for digitally skilled graduates and thegrowing challenges employers face in recruiting for digital roles. During adedicated week, students engaged with platforms like LinkedIn Learning,completed Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams, and participated in sessionsdesigned to enhance digital capabilities, their adaptability, employability,and creativity. This article explores the development and delivery of DigitalSkills Week, its rationale based on employer expectations and technologicaladvancements, and the impact of the initiative on student engagement and skilldevelopment. Evidence from student participation, feedback, and futurerecommendations demonstrates the transformative potential of integratingdigital skills into the academic curriculum and the potential long-term impacton employability and curriculum development.