We are proud to announce the Everton In The Community Digital Skills lab is now open. Aimed at tackling the widening skills gap for young people in Merseyside – the lab is the first of its kind for the region. Based in The People’s Hub on Spellow Lane, EITC launched the project with the aim of ensuring 'no child in Merseyside is left behind', as they aim to combat an ever-increasing skills gap between disadvantaged young people and jobs within digital/STEAM industries.
EITC commissioned CreativeHUT to build the lab as part of the E-STEAM project, funded by a group of philanthropists known as the First STEAM Squad. As delivery partner, CreativeHUT worked closely with the EITC team to conceptualise, plan and install the learning centre. Including space design, wall graphics, furniture and resource selection. The lab now provides an inspiring and creative environment to house the E-STEAM programme. Giving access to the most cutting-edge STEAM resources, including robotics, VR, drones, 3D printers and laser cutters. EITC staff have been trained to deliver sessions for local schools and adult learners and will develop skills needed for exciting careers. So far, the programme has engaged more than 1,200 students from 63 different schools across Merseyside. This number is set to grow significantly now the lab is open to run sessions regularly.
“The launch of the Digital Skills Lab is a huge step for the E-STEAM programme which will make a positive difference to the lives of children within the Liverpool City Region." - Sue Gregory, CEO at Everton in the Community.
She also went on to say, "As we move towards the fourth industrial revolution, we are working with our partners to ensure young people in Merseyside are in the best possible positions for their futures and we’re extremely proud of just how much is on offer here. We’re particularly looking forward to seeing younger children who join us at the lab progress their skills and go onto engage with the more technically advanced activities here."
“Programmes such as E-STEAM are greatly helped through philanthropy so we’d like to say a huge thank you to our First Steam Squad who has helped us bring our vision to life. We’d also like to thank CreativeHUT for their expertise which has helped us to deliver this state-of-the-art facility.”
Jimmy Worrall, founder of Leaders in Sport and part of the First Steam Squad, said, “Today’s unveiling was the perfect opportunity for us all to come together and witness first-hand the importance of creating areas such as this for children where they can learn, play and develop new skills. This is especially important in areas of economic disadvantage, and we wanted to deliver something which will leave a legacy in the community.
"We’re incredibly proud to play a part in the delivery of the lab which we hope will inspire children to go onto pursue careers in digital and STEAM which they previously might not have considered."
Gareth Boldsworth, founder of CreativeHUT, said: “We are incredibly honoured to support Everton in the Community and its E-STEAM Programme. Seeing the passion from the charity, along with the support from industry and the First Steam Squad, has been a humbling experience for CreativeHUT and our partners.
“The launch of the Digital Skills Lab is not only crucial to the Liverpool City Region, it is essential in setting the benchmark of how learning experiences can be delivered to all students across the UK. The programme will provide incredible support to pupils and teachers in helping develop the skills needed for future jobs and our shared belief of giving every student an opportunity in STEAM, no matter what their background, will encourage that.”
