Official Opening of Walsall’s Digital Skill Hub
On Friday 18 October 2024, guests from local community organisations, education institutions, public services and businesses came together to celebrate the official opening of The Mercian Trust’s new Digital Skills Hub on George Street in Walsall.
Located in Walsall town centre, converted from four previously empty shop units, the new Hub boasts a large communal learning and meeting space, a specialist IT training suite and an additional flexi-space available for training, private hire, and co-working spaces for digital professionals.
Digital Skills Hub is run by The Mercian Trust and funded by the UK Government and Walsall Council as part of the Towns Deal, providing access and opportunities to grow vital skills across the borough. It is part of a network of digital focussed support including the Walsall Connect centres located in over 25 libraries and community venues across the area.
Guests from a range of local businesses and community organisations came together to enjoy an interactive presentation from special guest Jennifer King, Education Lead for Global Creative Software company Adobe , demonstrating the collective power of creativity, community and AI.
Students from The Mercian Trust’s Studio School & Sixth, located across the road in the St Matthew’s Campus, demonstrated how they are pioneering the use of digital skills and the specialist facilities of the Digital Skills Hub across their specialist creative disciplines of Performing Arts, Music Performance & Production and Creative Digital Media. Students were filming the event, using digital tools to create music, demonstrating 3D modelling and game design, and engaging in an eSports tournament
Dan Parkes, Chief Executive of The Mercian Trust said, “We want to see those who live, study and work in Walsall fulfilling their potential, thriving in the world of work, and making a positive contribution this community. Our Digital Skills Hub is a catalyst for us all to develop the digital and AI skills that employers in every sector need now and, in the future”.
Following the interactive demonstrations, The Digital Skills Hub was officially opened by Jennifer King and Kevin Davis, Chair of Trustees at The Mercian Trust. Kevin said, “I was very moved to cut the ribbon, of our new Digital Skills Hub, alongside students of the Walsall Studio School I founded, which after the Goldmine Centre and The Ladder School, is the next piece in our St Matthews' Education campus. A 25 year journey, looking again into the future, with digital skills energising the direction of our students, and their communities.”
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader of Walsall Council, said: “I am delighted to see the official opening of the Digital Skills Centre. It’s been great to see the progress of this project and to support it through our Walsall Town Deal. Repurposing disused town centre buildings into useful, meaningful spaces is vital for the future of our town and district centres and creating opportunities for growth and learning is great for the community.”
Digital Skills Hub official launch
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