Croydon’s adult learners are set to benefit from the latest technology, helping them to develop the necessary skills for today’s digitalised workplace and increase their employability.
With funding from Croydon Council and the Mayor of London, Croydon Adult Learning & Training (CALAT) is to upgrade ICT equipment and Wi-Fi access right across its curriculum network, enabling tutors to embed ICT skills and electronic learning into all courses.
The £447,000 upgrade will deliver 234 new PCs, 60 laptops, 49 printers and four tablets, enabling students to work paper-free and complete learning online. Classrooms will all be equipped with interactive whiteboards, touchscreens and projection equipment. Learners will also be able to bring in their own devices to work with in class should they choose.
CALAT currently delivers 717 courses to 4,872 adult learners, the majority of which are Croydon residents in areas of deprivation. Of those learners, 150 have learning difficulties and disabilities, and are on programs to help them improve their health and wellbeing, and develop their independent living skills and employment prospects.
Croydon Council are contributing £247,000 to the project and the Mayor of London £200,000, following CALAT’s successful bid to the Mayor’s small project and capital equipment fund. The work will be complete by September 2018.
“We want all of our residents to be able to benefit from the many opportunities Croydon has to offer as it continues to regenerate and grow. Thousands of residents learn with CALAT every year and this upgrade will embed ICT skills right across the curriculum, helping all students significantly improve their job prospects.”
Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning
Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, Jules Pipe, said: “The Mayor and I are committed to helping Londoners gain the skills that they and the capital’s businesses need. This investment will help provide a first-class environment in which learners can make the most of their talent.”
