11th May 2017
A new Digital Innovation Hub has been officially launched at South Devon College, under the Fujitsu Education Ambassador Programme, supported by Intel, Brocade and Kyocera. The hub is situated in the heart of the main building on ‘The Street’ at the Vantage Point Campus and follows the announcement at Bett 2016 of the growth of the Ambassador Programme and South Devon College as the latest educational institution to open its Innovation Hub in the second phase of the programme.
The Ambassador Programme is a national engagement initiative led by the four global IT leaders that aims to highlight the use of computing power to underpin knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects and drive forward innovation and digital skills development at South Devon College as well as its wider community.
The Innovation Hub will form the central piece of an ongoing partnership between South Devon College, Fujitsu, Intel, Brocade and Kyocera. The hub will be equipped with a range of the latest computing technology, and will be used to promote the use of technology and development of digital skills.
The main objectives of the Ambassador Programme are to support greater collaboration between industry and education, aiding career skills development and providing expertise on personalised technology in teaching and learning.
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South Devon College is committed to being actively involved in the economic, social and cultural development of the people and businesses that surround it. One example of how the Innovation Hub will be used is to support the training of local apprentices as they move into STEM related careers.
Ash Merchant, Director of Education at Fujitsu, said: “South Devon College is passionate towards digital transformation and the role of digital in supporting its students – and we’re excited to be a part of that with the launch of the Innovation Hub. A recent survey by Fujitsu revealed that around a fifth (22%) of consumers believe that digital education should be part of the modern education curriculum, which points towards a real need to see education establishments focusing on the digital journey. Educational institutions like South Devon College will play a crucial role in making this happen – and Fujitsu, supported by our partners, is committed to supporting them in bringing their vision to life.”
Tracey Rawling Church, Head of CSR at KYOCERA Document Solutions UK said: “We’re proud to have been selected by Fujitsu as one of only three partners for this initiative, and to support in meeting its goal to establish 20 new Hubs in Ambassador organisations this year to inspire students and equip them with the practical skills and knowledge for the digital future ahead.
Amit Samani, Education Manager at Brocade said: “Brocade is dedicated to cultivating innovation and harvesting creative potential within students as a conduit to the changing network requirements and the new IOT era. On this programme we look forward to creating a platform for students to continue their journey through technology while creating ambassadors for the digital future.”
Steve Caunter, Assistant Principal at South Devon College said: “South Devon College is committed to preparing young people and the wider community for the next technological revolution and the digital economy. The Innovation Hub will provide numerous opportunities for all to develop their skills and prepare them for employment. The facility, complete with cutting edge Hi-Tech equipment, will become a centre of excellence delivering projects with the aim of demonstrating power of technology, helping all age groups to adapt to a digital age.”
Laurence Frewin, Vice Principal and Deputy Chief Executive at the College said: “South Devon College is passionate about preparing students, teachers and the wider community for the digital revolution which is already happening. We want to make sure our current and future students, and the local businesses who will employ them, are ready now and this exciting new Innovation Hub which we have just opened in partnership with industry leaders Fujitsu, Intel, Kyocera and Brocade provides dedicated, state of the art resources to allow us to take this agenda forward, to both accelerate our work and reach out even more widely across the South West.”
The Fujitsu Digital Innovation Hub will provide a gateway to the new Hi-Tech and Digital Centre development at South Devon College, the new purpose-built facilitywill be both innovative in its design and use as well as nationally significant and is planned to open to students in September 2019.
For more information on the Fujitsu Digital Innovation Hub email [email protected] Alternatively, come along to our next Open Evening on the 17th May 5pm-8pm at our Vantage Point Campus, Long Road, Paignton, TQ4 7EJ.