A new Education Innovation Hub has been launched at Forth Valley College’s Stirling Campus under the Fujitsu Education Ambassador Programme for Scotland -supported by NetApp, Ruckus Networks an Commscope company and Intel.
The opening of the hub in the Learning Resource Centre of the campus on Monday 24 February, follows the announcement at Bett 2017 about the growth of the Ambassador Programme. Forth Valley College is 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 to highlight how computing power underpin knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects. It is designed to drive innovation and digital skills development at Forth Valley College and its wider community.
The Innovation Hub will form the central piece of an ongoing partnership between FVC, Fujitsu, Net App, Ruckus Networks and Intel. The hub will be equipped with the latest computing technology and will be used to promote the use of technology and the development of digital skills.
Helen Young, FVC’s Head of Learning and Quality, said: “Our college is committed to being actively involved in the economic, social and cultural development of the people and businesses that surround it. Now that it has been officially opened, one example of how the Innovation Hub will be used is to support the training of local students and apprentices as they move into STEM-related careers. We can’t thank Fujitsu and its partners enough for supporting our new facility.”
Ash Merchant, Director of Education at Fujitsu, said: “Technology is moving forward at lightning speed and is transforming the way many organisations – including us – operate and interact with the wider world. To ensure we’re making positive steps, technology companies must take responsibility and ensure this innovation helps all people from all corners of the UK and this needs to start with the education sector. Educational institutions like Forth Valley 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.”
Nick Thurlow, NetApp Managing Director UK & Ireland: “Today’s data-driven technologies are paving the way for tomorrow’s world, and nurturing the digital skills to truly unlock its potential is essential. However, education faces a number of challenges from managing costs to efficiency and security when it comes to facilitating the necessary digital transformation. Fujitsu’s collaborative work with local communities, to build digital classrooms with the provision of core infrastructure, is a visionary response to a pressing issue. NetApp is proud to sponsor Fujitsu’s initiative in Scotland, with ten planned hubs to enhance digital education. Providing more than just a digital hub, Fujitsu offers the chance for teachers to upskill and boost the visibility of digital career paths for students. To enhance the power of the cloud, we need to inspire and nourish the minds of the next generation. This is a step in the right direction for local communities, that might otherwise face a digital divide.”
“Ruckus Networks is dedicated to cultivating innovation and realizing the creative potential of students by helping them understand how networks are driving the digital age,” said Steve Johnson, Regional Director, Northern Europe, Ruckus Networks. “Through this programme, we aim to expand students’ understanding of technology while creating ambassadors for our future.”
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.