UTC Warrington is backing a new digital skills scheme.
The UTC and further education colleges in Cheshire and Warrington have received a grant of more than £150,000 from the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to help increase digital skills within local communities.
UTC Warrington, along with partner colleges Cheshire College and Warrington & Vale Royal College, are on a mission to provide practical, creative spaces that encourage communities to embrace future ways of working and living through their latest project Stream.
Stream aims to raise awareness and develop confidence in digital applications and equip local people with the skills needed to help them start new careers in the ever-growing technology sector.
More than 500,000 Cheshire and Warrington residents are set to benefit from specialist equipment, accessible in a range of local areas from libraries and community centres to “pop-up cafes”, which will enable wider access and participation in skills development and training programmes, including the ability to deliver and record live broadcasts and interactive question and answer sessions.
Chris Gee, associate assistant vice principal and UTC Warrington’s lead on the project said: “This funding from the LEP is a fantastic opportunity for UTC Warrington to work with other groups in the community, including employers. This has opened up avenues for employers to work with schools and colleges in ways they haven’t done before, using technology such as body cameras to demonstrate a number of different roles in a variety of sectors.”
Clare Hayward chairman of the Cheshire and Warrington LEP, said: “The LEP is delighted to support this important practical initiative which will help up-skill and build confidence among people of all ages in Cheshire and Warrington.
“As our economy bounces back from the pandemic it’s imperative that we are able to offer the right skills to businesses as they grow. Digital skills is fast becoming a ‘must have’ requirement for many, which is why Stream is such a useful and timely programme.”
UTC Warrington is a technical school for 14 to 19-year-olds, backed by employers and Manchester Metropolitan University, that is Ofsted graded ‘good’.
The £10 million facility, on Dallam Lane,is equipped with industry leading facilities and specialises in engineering, digital, construction and healthcare.
Students complete technical qualifications alongside GCSEs and A Levels, and work on employer projects, giving them a head start on their career ambitions. Young people can join UTC Warrington in Year 10 or Year 12. Apply nowfor September 2021. Visit https://utcw.co.uk/or call 01925 737067.
For more information about Stream, visit https://www.ccsw.ac.uk/the-digital-hub
