Thousands of Lancashire secondary school pupils are gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies through an ambitious educational programme backed by the county council and major industry partners.
Transforming Technology Education Across Lancashire
Almost 7,000 students from all year groups across Lancashire are set to explore groundbreaking technologies including artificial intelligence, cyber security, virtual reality, robotics and machine learning. This initiative forms part of Lancashire's innovative MEGA Hubs programme, which delivers specialised career enrichment days promoting essential digital skills throughout the county's colleges.
The programme ensures that young people from diverse backgrounds throughout Lancashire can experience future technologies firsthand and discover the career opportunities they might unlock. With more than 70 MEGA Days scheduled for this academic year, the initiative represents a significant investment in the region's future workforce.
Hands-On Learning Experiences
At a recent event hosted by Lancaster and Morecambe College, 47 pupils from Carnforth High School, Morecambe Bay Academy, Lancaster High School and Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy participated in various technological challenges.
Year 7 students Katie and Bella from Carnforth High School found themselves engrossed in a coding exercise that required cracking a code to access an online game. "It's great - at first, I thought it was easy, but now I'm finding it a little bit harder," Katie commented. Bella added: "I'm finding it really good, trying to code things. It does make me think that maybe I could do this in the future."
Another student, Julie, also in Year 7, shared her enthusiasm: "I'm finding it really interesting. I like building a game up. I'm learning something I could maybe see myself doing in future." Classmate Una echoed this sentiment, noting: "I've never really done anything like this before so this is new, but it is really interesting."
In another engaging activity, pupils learned to remotely control robotic balls called 'Sphero BOLTS' using block coding on space-themed floor mats, demonstrating how technological skills can integrate across different curriculum subjects. Student Josh remarked: "It's really fun. I do like controlling the robotic ball."
Industry Partnerships Driving Change
The MEGA Hubs operate in partnership with IN4 Group, an award-winning technology organisation dedicated to delivering tailored industry-informed enrichment programmes that improve outcomes for young people in the region.
Lauren Monks, director of CyberFirst and MEGA Hubs at IN4 Group, expressed her commitment to the initiative: "We're passionate about enabling all young people to achieve their potential, regardless of their socioeconomic or disadvantaged background, and we absolutely know we can achieve this through a bespoke technology programme."
The programme benefits from matched funding between Lancashire County Council and industry partners, ensuring its sustainability and impact. Monks emphasised that the initiative "will have a hugely beneficial impact by giving young people first hand understanding of the highly skilled career pathways open to them."
IN4 has secured support from prominent industry partners including IBM, KPMG UK, Northrop Grumman, CGI, QinetiQ, Energus, Roke and BT, alongside government collaborators such as the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the National Cyber Force (NCF).
Strategic Vision for Lancashire's Future
County Councillor Matthew Salter, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for Education and Skills, highlighted the programme's significance: "We are absolutely delighted to be working with our partners to bring this pioneering programme to Lancashire school children. Thanks to the MEGA Hubs, we are able to help young people achieve their very best, from all backgrounds and from all walks of life."
Councillor Brian Moore, cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth, added: "This initiative aligns perfectly with our strategic goals to create a skilled and inclusive workforce and meet the growing demand for digital, cyber and tech skills from our employers. By partnering with IN4 Group, we are confident that we can inspire the next generation of digital professionals."
The MEGA Hubs form part of a broader digital skills programme managed by the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, which includes Lancashire's Cyber Festival Education Week, Cyber Fairy Tales, the MOD Digital and Cyber Bursary for college students, technology development events, and T level placements.
This comprehensive approach ensures that young people throughout Lancashire receive continuous exposure to digital skills and career opportunities from primary through to secondary education, positioning the county at the forefront of technological innovation and workforce development.
