The Prince's Trust and Capgemini will teach digital skills to underprivileged kids

Capgemini is teaming up with The Prince's Trust to launch a series of interactive digital skills courses designed to help underprivileged young people aged between 13-25.

Three programmes will teach 600 of the most disadvantaged young people in the UK about STEM subjects such as social media and cloud computing or apps and big data, as well as work experience and vocational training.

Nigel Walsh, vice president and community engagement executive sponsor at Capgemini, said: "Digital skills are no longer the preserve of people who want to pursue a career in IT they now play a vital role in all industries. There are many programmes working with young people at school, but we want to ensure that all young people have the chance to benefit from and contribute to our digital society.

"We're thrilled to support the work the Prince's Trust does by focusing in on digital skills and support the absolute need for digital skills in Britain today."

The 'XL Club', aimed specifically at ages 13-19, will help students who are currently under-achieving in school by introducing them to interactive STEM themes. 'Get Started with Apps' will give unemployed people aged between 16-25 a week-long challenge creating a mobile solution or problem-solving with big data, and 'Get Into' will offer real work experience, vocational training and mentoring support.

The courses will continue until 2019, and follows a long-term partnership between the two organisations.

"Capgemini's commitment to arming the workforce of the future with the right skills makes them a natural partner for The Prince's Trust," said Paul Brown, director of marketing and communications at the Prince's Trust. "Together, we will help hundreds more unemployed young people to succeed in today's job market, focusing in particular on helping them to develop digital skills that are increasingly sought after by employers across the UK.