£800k Funding for New Digital Skills Centre Opens at Guildford College

Published on: 12 Nov, 2024
Updated on: 13 Nov, 2024

A new Digital Skills Centre at Guildford College, funded with £800,000 from the Department for Education’s Local Skills Improvement Fund, opened on Wednesday, November 6.

The new centre has a state-of-the-art open learning space complete with an 86-inch interactive screen and 48 high powered laptops, hi-tech traditional classrooms and two fully sound proofed recording studios, said a spokesperson from the college.

Guildford College Digital Skills Centre opened by director Neil Shoulder and Guildford’s Mayor, Sallie Barker.

The facility is intended to address both immediate and long-term skills shortages in the data and technology sectors.

The college spokesperson said: “Programmes offered at the centre will include a range of courses and qualifications aimed at all ages, including T-Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), as well as apprenticeships and short courses aimed at local employers in digital and tech subject areas. These courses will be delivered to meet the evolving demands of an ever-increasing competitive job market.

“In collaboration with iChooseLocal, the college is inviting employers for their input to ensure the curriculum remains agile and responsive to industry needs, maintaining a pool of skilled professionals who can significantly contribute to the local economy.”

From left to right: Surrey County and Guildford Borough councillor Matt Furniss, Peter Gordon, Mayor Sallie Barker and Activate Learning group chief executive Gary Headland attended the opening of the Guildford College Digital Skills Centre

The Mayor of Guildford, Sallie Barker, and the director of Guildford College, Neil Shoulder, cut the ribbon for the official opening of the new centre.

Neil Shoulder said: “This week’s event underscores our commitment to ensuring that our students and local employers have access to the cutting-edge education and skills needed to drive economic growth and meet the demands of an evolving job market.”

Click here to find out more about the Digital Skills Centre.