Campus North is leading the way in helping plug the digital skills gap with a new initiative aimed at teachers.
As part of its new Tech for Life programme, Campus North is offering industry-led courses for teachers in coding, computing and electronic skills. The courses are unique in being developed by those working in the industry and will be delivered by programmers and digital experts.
Held at Campus North, the region’s tech hub, the courses will start in the Autumn term and initially cover coding and electronics, including the popular Raspberry Pi. The sessions will be practical hands on learning, led by experts; teachers will be able to take away ready made lessons, as well as new skills and ideas and access ongoing support after each course.
The initiative has the backing of PIE (Primary Inspiration through Enterprise) and local education leaders.
Ammar Mirza, CBE, Chair of the Progression Forum and Chair of Tyneview Governors said, ‘A recent government paper highlighted that there is a digital divide where up to 12.6 million of the adult UK population lack basic digital skills. An estimated 5.8 million people have never used the internet at all. This digital skills gap which starts in school is costing the UK economy an estimated £63 billion a year in lost additional GDP. These figures are compelling and there is an absolute need to support our future generations. Tech for Life has been addressing this issue and these CPD courses provide an industry led approach to support our teachers become better equipped at teaching critical tech skills. I would encourage all teachers to consider further developing themselves through these exciting and interactive courses.’
Lyndsey Britton, Co-Founder of Campus North said, “The UK’s digital industries are growing faster than the wider economy and creating a record number of jobs, so we need to ensure we have the next generation with the right skills here in the north east.
We believe it’s up to industry to lead the way in supporting teachers and getting our educators engaged in the digital world and we’re delighted to have had our experts keen to both design and deliver these courses.
The aim is to equip teachers with skills, confidence and ideas that they can take back to share in the classroom. The courses are half day and very practical, learning through a hands on, enjoyable experience.”
Bookings are now being taken for the first two courses: Introduction to Coding is on Thursday 15th September and Introduction to Electronics on Friday 30th September.
For more information or to sign up to Tech for Teachers visit www.techforlife.co.uk