The UK’s first ever dedicated digital academy will open in Liverpool as part of a £2.5m project.
Students at the City of Liverpool College will be able to pursue qualifications to higher degree level, and attendees at the School of Computer Science and Digital could rise by as many as 500.
It will offer young people coding, software development and a range of digital skills including online marketing and games design.
Financed in part by the Liverpool City Region Skills Capital Investment Fund, the academy will open in September and occupy two floors.
Elaine Bowker, principal and chief executive of The City of Liverpool College, said: “This investment means we will be better equipped than ever to deliver a pipeline of young people with the essential skills for businesses in the 21st century.
“It is a signal of our focus on providing skills and qualifications that meet the needs of businesses and which directly contribute to the city region’s economic growth ambitions.”
Paul Hollywood, product development director for Liverpool-based entertainment and technology company, Starship, said the sector needed to develop the skills required for ever-changing technological advances.
He explained: “This development will enable us to nurture the best talent to help us maintain and build the city region as a global force in technology and software, with a talent pool that will attract companies in the sector and help in the creation of new businesses.”