B&FC to Become a MEGA Hub

B&FC is to become a MEGA Hub offering cutting-edge digital skills to secondary school students across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. 

This move is part of the groundbreaking Lancashire MEGA Hubs programme: a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Lancashire County Council and IN4 Group that will give unique opportunities to students across the county.

Through an extensive super curriculum, they will get hands-on experience in AI, coding, cyber security, virtual reality and machine learning – including extra-curricular days and an out-of-school Cyber and Esports Academy.

Digital skills will also be embedded into traditional subjects like English, Maths, Geography and Languages to enhance their learning as part of the innovative Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) programme.

B&FC is one of seven regional colleges that will be hosting ‘MEGA Days’ during the new Academic Year.

IN4 and its leading industry partners – including IBM, KPMG UK, Northrop Grumman, CGI, QinetiQ, Roke, and BT alongside Government partners such as the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the National Cyber Force – are making considerable investments in financial resources and expertise.

Across Lancashire, this will give 8,340 secondary students from 103 schools a bespoke industry-informed enrichment programme to improve outcomes for local young people.

Marc Potter, Assistant Principal, Digital and Creative Innovation at B&FC, said: “We’re delighted to be teaming up with IN4 and Blackpool Council to host these sessions and to inspire the next generation of digital professionals.”

“We will be using our new cutting-edge Immersive Hub at Bispham as the host venue for this and providing 20 MEGA Days of learning sessions this year.

“This fantastic opportunity will be open to every secondary school learner in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. It’s a brilliant chance for them to learn new skills, access advanced tech and to get a taste of what B&FC can potentially offer them in their future career plans.”

The MEGA Hubs programme aims to further boost career pathways, driver regional innovation and position Lancashire and the emerging North West Cyber Corridor as a powerhouse for UK digital talent.