Our new Digital Hub has launched
Your digital journey starts here…
IT and digital skills training centre
We opened a new state-of-the-art facility at our Colchester centre in October 2023 to support residents and businesses with developing their IT and digital skills as well as providing digital access for residents. The redevelopment has multi-functionality in mind so that the Digital Hub can be used for a wide range of learning opportunities across different subjects and sectors.
We aim 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 in a range of subject areas.
This project is funded by UK Government The Towns Fund in partnership with We Are Colchester and Colchester City Council.
The Towns Fund is a priority for this government and central to the levelling up agenda. Through working directly with places and putting power in the hands of local businesses and communities, it is unleashing the economic potential of towns and high streets across England. The government wants to see vibrant towns that are more attractive places to live, work and visit; and to level up opportunity across the country so that everyone (wherever they live) can contribute to and benefit from economic growth.
Upcoming Courses
IT Micro:Bit Meet The Tiny Computer
This fun and hands-on course introduces the BBC Microbit and how it is the ideal tool for teaching computational thinking and computer systems in a creative way. It explores the main input and output features on the mircobit, specifically the buttons and the LED display.
There are several core computational thinking and programming concepts developed in this course.
Introduction to HTML and CSS
Learn to create simple webpages from scratch using HTML and CSS. You will learn how webpage works, how to link pages together, and how to style a webpage. No experience necessary, but confidence using a computer is advised.
IT Essential Digital Skills E3
The Essential Digital Skills qualifications are based on the national essential digital skills standards covering 5 skill areas: Using devices and handling information, Creating and editing, Communicating, Transacting, and Being safe and responsible online. The qualification provides learners with the essential digital skills which are needed in a wide range of situations in life and at work. For example, successful learners will be able to make appointments, order goods and services, organise payments using online platforms, conduct video calls, create, edit and save a range of documents, and troubleshoot basic problems on their device.
IT Lets Get Digital
Our Let’s Get Digital course is suitable for those who have no or very little knowledge and experience of digital skills, and once completed, will have provided you with the foundation skills to move onto the Essential Digital Skills courses. Prior to enrolling on the course, you will need to attend a precourse assessment session
Introduction to Programming
Learn the basics of computer programming. You will go from zero knowledge to being able to design and code small programs in Python. No experience necessary, but confidence using a computer is required.
IT Essential Digital Skills L1 Fasttrack
This fasttrack course enables you to complete the full Essential Digital Skills qualification in just 10 weeks. You will have 10 weeks of either face to face learning in the classroom or live online via Teams for Education. Alongisde this, some independent learning is required and these learning materials are accessed via our VLE. The Essential Digital Skills qualifications are based on the national essential digital skills standards covering 5 skill areas: Using devices and handling information, Creating and editing, Communicating, Transacting, and Being safe and responsible online. The qualification provides learners with the essential digital skills which are needed in a wide range of situations in life and at work. For example, successful learners will be able to make appointments, order goods and services, organise payments using online platforms, conduct video calls, create, edit and save a range of documents, and troubleshoot basic problems on their device.
Supported Learning Programme
The following tasters are designed for those with learning disabilities and/or autism:
Minecraft: A mini adventure
Minecraft can be an effective tool for teaching students of all ages. This session will provide you with an introduction to the world of Minecraft and how to use it for learning.
Our Digital Offer
Opportunities for beginners to advanced learners
Courses and training programmes at our new hub could help you to feel more confident in the digital world, gain new skills and open the door to new opportunities. ∙ IT Apprenticeships ∙ Computer Programming ∙ Digital Development ∙ Web Design ∙ Essential Digital Skills ∙ Microsoft Office ∙ GCSE Computer Science ∙ Cybersecurity ∙ and many more opportunities available
Supporting businesses to be IT and digital ready
We want to help you to boost your business’s productivity and efficiency. Upskill your staff on bespoke training programmes, helping them to become more effective at their jobs and valued as an employee, in addition to supporting retention and growth of your business. ∙ Apprenticeship programmes ∙ Bespoke and CDP training ∙ Microsoft Office training ∙ Digital skills qualifications
Virtual and augmented reality: Impact on our environment
Immersive digital environments such as VR and AR minimise carbon emissions associated with transportation and decrease the consumption of paper and other resources used for traditional learning and training materials.
Get in Touch
Still Have Questions? Ask Us
"*" indicates required fields
Don’t Miss Out on Updates
Follow us on social media
Subscribe to our Newsletters