UK’s first ever digital academy to launch in Liverpool

The UK’s first dedicated digital academy is set to open in Liverpool.

The £2.5m scheme, jointly funded by the Government and the City of Liverpool College, is anticipated to raise student numbers in the college’s School of Computer Science and Digital from 300 to as many as 500.

Those studying at the new academy will be able to pursue various qualifications up to higher degree level.

Part of the overall seven-figure funding for the project will be received from the Liverpool City Region Skills Capital Investment Fund, which forms part of the Government’s Local Growth Fund.

The City of Liverpool College’s principal and chief executive, Elaine Bowker, said: “This investment means we will be better equipped than ever to deliver a pipeline of young people with the kind of skills which are essential for businesses in the 21st century.

“It is a signal of our focus on providing skills and qualifications which meet the needs of businesses and which directly contribute to the city region’s economic growth ambitions.”

Cllr Ian Maher, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s portfolio lead for Employment and Skills, commented: “The funding from the Growth Deal will ensure the Liverpool City Region is better positioned to attract investment and ensure long-term growth and prosperity.

“Skills is a clear priority for the Combined Authority and I’m delighted to see this investment in digital learning, particularly as skills in these areas will play a critical role in future economic growth.”

The Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership’s interim chair, Asif Hamid, said: “The Growth Deal funding secured will help unlock the region’s potential as an economic powerhouse and this investment in new digital learning will help our young people acquire the right skills for the future.”

Ellen Cutler, director of investment agency Invest Liverpool, welcomed the plans for the digital academy.

She said: “The digital sector is hugely important as an employer in its own right but, increasingly, having a deep digital talent pool is essential for all businesses, given the importance software and digital connectivity and innovation play in all sectors of economic activity.

“It can be a real positive point of difference when it comes to competition for inward investment if we can say, as a city region, that we have the right skills for businesses investing here. So this is an extremely exciting development for the entire city region.”

Paul Hollywood, product development director at Liverpool-based entertainment and tech firm Starship, said he believes the sector needs to develop the skills required for ever-changing technological advances.

He explained: “This development will enable the city region to nurture the best talent to help us maintain and build the city region as a global force in technology and software, with a talent pool which will attract companies in the sector and help in the creation of new businesses.”