We’ve welcomed the first students through the doors of our new Digital & Maths Skills Hub in Telford town centre’s Station Quarter.
And their first impressions? They love the new digital learning labs, and can’t wait to get started.
The facility is part of Telford & Wrekin Council’s ambitious project to create a vibrant new residential, educational and business community in Telford Town Centre.
The college’s hub is part of The Quad, a state-of-the art digital skills and enterprise hub which will form part of a wider academic campus in the heart of Telford.
It is a unique collaboration between the council, Telford College, Harper Adams University and other partners which aims to retain local talent, to be the catalyst for creating careers in applied sciences and the digital sector and is expected to host more than 300 students a year.
The Quad will make a big difference to learners who live in the south of the borough, offering them an excellent, high quality education provision on their doorstep which is easily accessible.
Telford College is offering courses for up to 200 learners at The Quad, including a range of evening courses for adults.
Lawrence Wood, Telford College principal and chief executive, said: “This is a really exciting development for us.
“Maths and digital qualifications are a vital pathway to higher quality and better paid jobs and having a campus in the heart of the town centre makes the college more accessible than ever.
“Our curriculum at Station Quarter is targeted towards careers in sectors such as cybersecurity, AI, virtual and augmented reality, cloud computing, wireless technologies and 5G innovation. These are skills which local employers tell us they desperately need.”
So what have the first Telford College students had to say about it?
“It’s even nicer than I was expecting. I love how easy it is to travel to, and how it’s situated in the middle of town,” said digital T-Level student Jesse Abdul Karim.
Level three digital student Lewis Roden, a former Telford Langley School student, said: “I love the monitors in the digital labs, and can’t wait to work with the advanced equipment here.”
Calix Alemonai, a former Madeley Academy student on a level three digital course, said: “The equipment is new, it’s fresh, it’s easier to use and it’s faster. I also like how close it is to the bus station and train station.”
Aileen Jomon, a former Telford Park School student, said: “The building is good; it’s really professional and has brand new equipment. The location makes it easier for me to travel, and makes my journey to college faster.”
And Toffic Abdul, a former Ercall Wood Academy student on the same level three digital course, added: “I really like the new hub. The student area is really good and it’s a lot closer to where I live. I like the new equipment and I think it’s going to really help me with my studies.”
Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council leader, said: “We are really excited to see The Quad open in Station Quarter and after months of planning, the vision to create this outstanding education facility has now become a reality.
“This is just one element of the wider Station Quarter project but is all part of our commitment to build a better borough, breathe new life into some of our most historic buildings and creating new spaces for the future.
“Investing in Telford and Wrekin is quite literally laying foundations for the future, creating opportunities to learn new skills, secure great jobs, enjoy top cultural activities and live in an attractive place.”
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for children, young people, education, employment & skills, added: “It’s wonderful to see learners from across Telford and Wrekin, starting courses at The Quad – giving them the skills and knowledge to secure future careers in different sectors.
“As well as giving learners of all ages the opportunity to study courses delivered by Telford College and Harper Adams University, the facility is also the perfect space to help businesses develop and flourish in Telford and Wrekin.”
