The Curious Lounge C.I.C.

This past year our organisation provided digital skills training and employment support to economically inactive and unemployed individuals in our community. Through classroom learning, 1-on-1 mentoring, and access to online platforms, we helped equip participants with job-ready digital skills. Our programs aligned with the CIC's objectives of upskilling local community members, improving diversity in the technology sector, and enabling economic prosperity. Aligning with CIC Objectives: Upskilling local community members: By providing 10233 hours of classroom-based training to 111 participants, we significantly upskilled individuals who were previously economically inactive or unemployed. Courses covered in-demand skills such as data analytics and digital marketing. The quality of course delivery was validated by an OFTSED inspection awarding Outstanding across all categories. Improving diversity in technology: In the last year over 47% of our students were from BAME backgrounds and over 62% were female. Enabling economic prosperity: Since inception our training has resulted in a total (as of March 2025) of ~£2.6m in salaries for people new to the digital economy. This demonstrates we are creating pathways to quality jobs and economic security. Participants gained skills for careers that provide financial sustainability. Supporting entrepreneurs: Our curriculum included training for small business owners and startups. By teaching digital marketing we equipped entrepreneurs to grow their customers. Key Outcomes: 111 students participated in over 10,200 hours of classroom-based digital skills training and 1-on-1 employability coaching. Our programs resulted in ~£2.6m in salaries for previously unemployed/inactive individuals (since inception). Over 47% of participants were from underrepresented BAME groups and over 62% were female. In summary, through our training initiatives this year, we made significant progress towards the CIC's objectives of upskilling local community members, improving diversity in the tech sector, enabling economic prosperity, and supporting entrepreneurs. We look forward to expanding our impact.