Southend-on-Sea City Council, with support from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), is delighted to announce the launch of The Digital Academy (TDA) – the city’s pioneering “pure digital” academy for students aged 16-19.
Based at Belfairs Academy in Leigh-on-Sea, TDA has been specially designed to teach and train students in a range of vital digital skills, with the first courses starting in September 2023.
Offering the latest technology, expert instructors and revamped facilities, this brand-new academy will nurture young people’s passion for digital, and give them the skills and qualifications they need for their future careers.
“The Digital Academy is Southend City’s go-to place for young people to develop the digital skills necessary for a successful, fulfilling future,” says Stuart Wesselby – Head of Adult Skills and Employability at Southend Adult Community College (SACC) and one of the key figures behind the development of TDA.
“Our ambition is to create the next generation of digital professionals, all equipped to take on the technological challenges and changes that will drive Southend City forward.”
Overcoming the digital skills gap
TDA was driven by Southend City’s ambition to tackle the growing digital skills gap in the city, South Essex and the UK as a whole. Ensuring that today’s and future generations of students gain the knowledge and capabilities to plug these gaps is the academy’s core focus.
“The future is digital,” states Stuart. “TDA has been created so students are perfectly prepared for this future, and able to enter the gaps we currently see in organisations and industries nationwide.”
With an emphasis on getting young people ready for careers in these diverse, expanding industries, TDA offers students more than useful digital skills and sought-after qualifications – it also develops wider skills for a seamless transition into the workplace.
“Students won’t just walk away from TDA with a diploma; they will walk away absolutely work-ready,” explains Stuart.
“Softer skills, from team-based communication and collaboration, to leadership and personal development, are embedded in every course to make students’ step up into work as comfortable and straightforward as possible.”
“This is also our rationale for employing professionals with industry experience as instructors. Their unique expertise will not only ensure TDA’s students learn the right skills, but also crucial insight into the nuances and demands of these industries.”
Through high-quality, technical teaching and work-based experiences, TDA will actively support the next wave of digital careers in Southend City and beyond – helping both companies to grow and students to capitalise on the incredible opportunities out there.
The place to be for digitally-focused students
TDA’s “pure digital” approach is intended to provide a clear, focused pathway for students who are passionate about – and see their future in – digital.
Unlike other options available to GCSE students, such as sixth form or apprenticeships, TDA only offers digital courses, while maintaining the lifestyle and atmosphere of sixth form. Its location at Belfairs Academy, a well-established school in the area, has been beneficial in realising this goal.
“We are creating an oasis of digital skills for students, different from anything else in the region,” explains Stuart.
“Great student experiences. The latest apps and equipment. Exceptional teaching. We are investing heavily in TDA to provide the laser-focused, ‘pure digital’ setting that we feel allows students to express their creativity and unlock their true potential.”
Starting in September, TDA is offering 6 innovative digital skills courses:
Based on the latest Gateway Qualifications and available completely free for ages 16-19, each course is designed to give students the skills to enter relevant industries, or take the next step in their education to either university or T-Levels.
Furthermore, if students lack Grade 4s in English and/or Maths, TDA will work with them to reach these levels alongside their digital studies. This is aimed at providing chances for a wider range of students to forge their own paths in digital.
An exciting present and future
TDA opens its doors to its first groups of students in September, attracting interest from Southend, South Essex and even as far as East London, thanks to the area’s exceptional commuter routes.
“We are incredibly excited for TDA to truly kick off in September,” states Stuart.
“A lot of preparation has gone into this moment. We look forward to welcoming our inaugural classes in the autumn, and can’t wait to help them create their own path in today’s digital landscape.”
There’s still time to secure your place at TDA this September. Apply today to find out more and experience pure digital learning.
