Exciting times lie ahead for secondary school students in Lancashire as they gear up to delve into the realms of advanced technologies including artificial intelligence and virtual reality.
The Lancashire MEGA Hubs initiative is set to revolutionize digital education and career pathways for youngsters in the region, as announced by the county council. With the aim of bolstering digital skills and fostering future opportunities, students across all secondary schools in Lancashire will have the chance to immerse themselves in coding, cyber security, and machine learning. Complementing these offerings are extracurricular events and the launch of a Cyber and Esports Academy, designed to ignite a passion for technology beyond the classroom.
Council leader, Phillippa Williamson, expressed her utmost enthusiasm for the project, noting its seamless alignment with the authority’s objective to address the escalating demand from employers for digital, cyber, and tech proficiency. This ambitious endeavor will see the integration of digital skills into traditional subjects through the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) program, made possible by a generous grant of £550,000 from the Lancashire Economic Growth & Development Investment Fund (LEGDIF).
The Lancashire MEGA Hubs program is slated to run until the culmination of the 2026 academic year, promising a wealth of opportunities for Lancashire’s youth. Williamson emphasized the scheme’s potential to open doors for young individuals, emphasizing the council’s collaborative efforts with technology firm, IN4 Group, to cultivate a skilled and inclusive talent pool. She envisions this initiative as a catalyst for nurturing the next wave of digital experts and positioning Lancashire as a frontrunner in technological innovation.
Echoing this sentiment, Mo Isap, chief executive of IN4 Group, underscored the organization’s commitment to empowering young minds from all backgrounds, irrespective of socio-economic status. The MEGA Hubs project is envisioned as a vehicle for providing initial forays into cutting-edge technologies, bridging the digital skills gap, and cultivating a diverse and agile workforce poised for the future.
As Lancashire prepares to embark on this transformative journey in digital education, the community is encouraged to tune in to the latest updates on BBC Radio Lancashire through Sounds, and engage with BBC Lancashire on social media platforms for a glimpse into the region’s technological evolution. For comprehensive coverage, catch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Adventurous spirits and tech enthusiasts alike are poised to embrace the dawn of a new era in Lancashire’s educational landscape, where innovation and opportunity converge to shape a brighter tomorrow for the digital trailblazers of today.
