With £800k funding from the Department for Education’s Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), Activate Learning is investing in a digital skills centre at Guildford College.

Activate Learning says it’s in response to the shortages in the data, tech, and cyber sectors, demonstrating its commitment to cultivating the future talent necessary for sustaining growth and innovation in these critical areas.

A Comprehensive Curriculum for All Learners

Source: https://guildford-dragon.com/college-invests-to-boost-surreys-economy-and-close-digital-skills-gap/

The plan is to provide comprehensive programmes catering to career changers, young learners, and current employees seeking to upskill. Programmes offered will include a range of courses and qualifications aimed at all ages including T-Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), as well as apprenticeships in digital and tech subject areas.

Innovative Courses to Meet Modern Needs

Among the first courses offered will be Practical AI in a Day, a four-hour course introducing AI technologies and what's called the “prompt journey” concept, and Applying AI in your Business, an eight-hour course over two days that builds with case studies and hands-on experience in using AI for data analytics and document production.

Collaboration with Local Employers

In partnership with skills portal iChooseLocal, Guildford College will make contact with employers in the area to help shape the curriculum. Guildford College says this collaboration “will be essential for maintaining a pool of skilled professionals who can significantly contribute to the local economy”.

Conclusion

This strategic investment and collaborative approach by Guildford College and Activate Learning promise to create significant opportunities for the local community and economy, addressing the pressing need for digital and creative skills in Surrey. By providing diverse and innovative educational programmes, they are paving the way for a digitally adept and economically vibrant future.