A new £2.4m facility in Ipswich is looking forward to welcoming the next generation of digital superstars to the region ahead of a grand opening next year.
The three-storey Tech Campus will become part of Suffolk New College’s expanding portfolio of premises and teach learners transferable skills that will allow them to work in a range of roles across the Information Technology (IT) industry.
Course subject areas will include esports, Games Design and IT. A brand new T level course in Digital Production, Design and Development will also be taught in the building from 2022.
The college was able to fund this project thanks to the support of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, which contributed £1.6m from its Growth Deal with Government.
Nigel Champion (pictured) was recently appointed technical curriculum designer and curriculum coordinator at Suffolk New College. He said: “My role is to develop courses and business relationships across the region and the UK, to allow students who come here to get the advanced technical IT networking skills they need to hit the ground running when it comes to gaining a career or progressing into higher education.
“I really believe that the new Tech Campus will put us on the map when it comes to developing new digital talent for this region and beyond. The facility will house some impressive technology and will be a progressive space to learn and work – and we have lots of exciting plans to link up with industry partners.
“We are also excited to be developing a new curriculum that will focus on cyber security, so budding James Bonds should definitely apply. Other exciting plans will include the creation of a new esports team. I’m thrilled to be involved – it’s great news for the town and region.”
Chris Starkie, Chief Executive of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the new Tech Campus through our Growth Deal with Government.
“Boosting tech skills will help to supply the skilled workforce needed by businesses in all sectors. It is important that we invest in developing talent locally and this first-class new facility will offer brilliant learning opportunities for the students who will become the tech stars of the future.”
