A new ‘Digital Hub’ will be opening its doors at ACL Colchester on 17th October to help people gain qualifications and improve their skills in IT and digital technology.
To celebrate the official launch of its Digital Hub, ACL Essex, part of Essex County Council, is offering Essex residents the chance to try their hand at a number of free IT and digital skills workshops on 17 and 18 October between 9am-8pm. Visitors can have a go at computer programming, web design, immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences, and other technology-enabled programmes.
Courses, Apprenticeships, and training programmes at the new ACL Digital Hub aim to help residents feel more confident in the digital world, gain new skills and open the door to new career opportunities. This includes Digital Marketing, Computer Programming, Digital Development, Web Design, Essential Digital Skills, Microsoft Office Qualifications, GCSE Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and many more opportunities available.
In addition to residents being able to preview many of the IT and digital skills courses on offer at ACL Essex, visitors to the taster events on 17th and 18th October will also receive a goody bag, tour the new facilities, and be able to enrol on a digital course or future taster workshop. Everyone who signs up to a taster or course will enter a prize draw for the chance to win a from a range of latest generation gadgets, including Echo Dots, Ring Doorbells and Fitbits.
Thanks to the new Digital Hub, ACL Colchester aims to inspire people to connect, collaborate and learn, as well as boost learners’ earning potential with improved workplace digital skills. The hub will also provide bespoke courses for businesses to support them to boost productivity and efficiency and upskill their staff.
Cllr Tony Ball, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, is excited about the opportunities the new Digital Hub will offer the people of Colchester. He said: “I am delighted that the new Digital Hub in Colchester will open up so many opportunities for the people of Colchester to learn essential new skills, connect with others and improve their career prospects.”
The redevelopment has been funded by the UK Government, The Towns Fund, in partnership with We Are Colchester and Colchester City Council. The Digital Hub has multi-functionality in mind so that it can be used for a wide range of learning opportunities across different subjects and sectors.
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “It is exciting that the new Digital Hub at ACL Colchester is now open. Our partnership with ACL Essex will benefit Colchester-wide residents and businesses. The new hub is a dedicated space for residents to build their confidence in technology, boost their digital skills, whilst also helping businesses upskill their employees. Having this supportive space in the heart of Colchester will be great for the local economy.”
The free digital tasters will take place on 17 and 18 October, 9am to 8pm, at ACL Colchester, Wilson Marriage, Barrack Street, Colchester CO1 2LR. To find out more about ACL Essex’s new Digital Hub, or to book a free digital taster on 17 and 18 October, visit www.aclessex.com/digital-hub or call 0345 603 7635. Those who sign up to a taster course will be required to attend on the day to be entered into a prize draw. Full details can be found on the website.
