THOUSANDS of digital technology jobs are up for grabs in Bournemouth and Poole, according to a report.

The 2017 Tech Nation report reveals there are more than 15,000 vacancies in the field in the conurbation.

Now Bournemouth and Poole College is urging people to enrol on its digital tech courses to improve their job prospects.

It is estimated that such jobs contribute more than £350 million to the area's economy every year.

For those aspiring to work in the industry, the college has courses including cyber security, digital marketing, electronic engineering and computer generated imagery.

Jason Eastwood, learning manager in digital and computing from the college, said: ‘"We have seen a large increase in the number of students seeking to progress their digital skills as a response to the growth of digital businesses in the south.

"As a college we continue to develop the courses we offer to satisfy the demand and also teach the skills that perspective employers desire. By working closely with local digital businesses, we are told directly what skills are required for any given role.’"

Careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) were also highlighted in the Tech Nation report. It said the numbers of those studying these subjects are still low.

Mr Eastwood added: "The College’s own STEM centre proactively promotes equal opportunities for all who are interested in pursuing a career in STEM. All courses are constructed in such a way that upon completion students obtain the skills needed to find and retain a job in this field.

"The STEM centre strengthens our course’s curriculum due to it housing the most up-to-date equipment needed to be able to maintain our high level of learning.’"

For more information about digital courses at The Bournemouth & Poole College go to thecollege.co.uk or call 01202 205205.