AN AWARD-WINNING digital education programme is set to come to UTC following a successful launch in Heathtrow.
Activate Learning has announced that after a pilot launch of their Digital Futures curriculum at UTC Heathrow, the programme will be rolled out to its trusts in Thames Valley.
It is a collaboration between Activate and employers in the digital infrastructure sector, and a first in UK schools.
The programme, aimed at those aged 14-19, contributes to a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma or Extended Diploma in Engineering and gives them the skills needed to thrive in technical careers.
Activate Learning’s industry partners also provide employer-led projects such as challenge days, masterclasses, and skills workshops.
Since it was launched in Heathrow in 2021, the curriculum has received three awards, including from the Education and Employment Project Award of the Year at the Datacloud Global Awards.
Jo Harper, CEO of ALET, said: “The UK is facing an unprecedented skills shortage: we need engineers, computer scientists and other digitally-skilled staff.
“The Digital Futures Programme is focused on equipping students with the skills to succeed in the digital industries, bringing together companies which are serious about acting to address the skills shortage with STEM-focused schools with specialisms in digital, engineering and science prepared to forge a new path for their students.”
Andrew Stevens, CEO at CNet Training, said: “Following our overwhelming success with the Digital Futures Programme at UTC Heathrow, CNet Training is delighted to be supporting the roll-out of the programme across three further sites as a Trust partner of ALET UTCs.
“The expansion will enable many more young people to access this world-first digital infrastructure focused curriculum, aligning with CNet’s ongoing drive to encourage industry organisations to work together to tackle the talent shortage while teaching the skills and knowledge required to start successful careers within the digital infrastructure industry.”
University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are government-funded secondary schools and sixth form colleges which provide a technical education in partnership with industry employers and universities alongside core curriculum subjects such as English, Maths, and Science.
More information about the Digital Futures Programme is available via: www.heathrow-utc.org/employers/digital-futures-programme/
