A new partnership between The Cornwall College Group and Software Cornwall is set to give students “one of the most unique learning experiences in the country”.
The new Digital Academy won’t be based in a classroom, but rather inside the offices of software development business, Bluefruit Software, at the Gateway Business Centre in Pool.
Project manager for the Digital Academy, Mike Trebilcock, said: “With a national shortage of digital skills, there is a need to challenge how we think about skills training and education for digital industries.
“We need to prepare the developers, technicians and dreamers of the future to be work ready, with high-level skills and real world experience through extensive industry support. In order to achieve this we need to evolve traditional concepts of learning and look at things differently.”
The course has been limited to just 12 students and will focus on software development skills for young people aged 16+, creating the makers of the future.
Trebilcock continued: “The students will be making a commitment to be with us Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm for 30 weeks per year; based in offices in one of Cornwall’s leading software development companies, Bluefruit Software, at the Gateway Business Centre in Pool.
“It’s different because there are no teachers, instead the students will be supported by a mentor and work with a range of specialist instructors, who are experts in their respective fields, by working on a range of projects.”
Bluefruit director, Paul Massey, added: “Addressing the shortage of digital skills is key to us growing as a company, the Digital Academy approach of learning through real life and near-real life projects will create learners with a broad range of skills and experience that will start their journey to becoming valuable software developers and digital problem solvers.”
Applications are being taken now for September 2016. If you are interested in joining, or want to talk to one of the team in more detail about the programme, email hello@iamdigital.uk or call 0845 22 32 567.
