A new state-of-the-art digital hub is set to open this year at ACL Essex’s centre in Colchester, providing new opportunities for residents and businesses to boost their digital skills.
The adult education provider is redeveloping the gym building at the Wilson Marriage Centre on Barrack Street to create the new Digital Hub. The facility will support IT training and development, as well as provide digital access for residents.
The redevelopment has multi-functionality in mind and the Digital Hub can be used for a wide range of learning opportunities across different subjects and sectors.
Through the new facility, ACL Essex aims to help learners connect, collaborate and learn, as well as boost residents’ earning potential with new Digital Skills courses.
Courses for all levels will be available, including virtual reality and technology-enabled programmes across a range of subject areas.
Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “ACL Essex values innovation and great lifelong learning experiences, so they are always trying to improve their services for the residents of Essex.
“Helping people who want to increase their IT literacy and improve their earning potential, the new Digital Hub aims to create new career opportunities, reduce barriers to education and jobs, and improve residents’ confidence in technology.”
This marks another significant step forward for the £18.2 million Town Deal awarded to Colchester in 2022.
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “It is great news that this much needed Digital Hub is opening in our city.
“Pay and prospects are helped by growing skills and having a digitally skilled workforce is so important for future careers. The new hub will help attract businesses to Colchester, creating further job opportunities for residents. By working in partnership with Adult Community Learning, we have been able to build this new dedicated and supportive place in the heart of our community. I am looking forward to it opening later this year.”
To celebrate the launch of the Digital Hub, ACL Essex is also inviting people to submit artwork, with a focus on environment and connectivity. As part of a competition, there will be three winners. The winners will be able to choose from a selection of techy prizes, and will have their artwork displayed in ACL centres.
More details about the digital hub, course offering and launch event will be released over the coming weeks. Digital courses also run at our other ACL Centres, so make sure you pop down to your nearest centre and see what digital courses we have on offer.
For more information about ACL Colchester’s new Digital Hub, or to enter the artwork competition, visit www.aclessex.com/digital-hub, email [email protected] or call 0345 603 7635.
