A stellar investment that will open up a world of opportunities for learners! 

The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, has announced an additional £8 million in funding to be allocated over the next three years, bringing the total investment to a total of £30 million since 2019. This funding will give Further Education colleges in Wales the opportunity to be innovative and make digital learning a priority in their plans. The money can be used for digital equipment and infrastructure improvements, positioning the FE sector as a leader in innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Learners in the sector will also have access to technology and skill-building resources that can lead to a successful career.  

 What’s in it for Wales’ further education sector with this fresh influx of funds? Let’s dig in and find out! 

 The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, joyfully said: 

• “This funding provides an exciting opportunity to harness the potential of technology to enhance the learning experiences and widen access to learning opportunities for students in Wales.” 

• “This will prepare them for progression into employment, including in high-tech industries where equipment and practices are constantly evolving.” 

Bridgend College has taken a pioneering stance on digital learning, thanks to generous Welsh Government funding. Students of the college are now able to reap the rewards of the high-quality video capture and streaming service that the college has crafted. Various areas of learning can now be accessed remotely in a new and exciting way. Taking things to the next level, the animal care department can now live stream animals in their natural habitat, giving learners the opportunity to witness activities like lambing without having to leave the comfort of their own homes! 

The Welsh Government provides annual funding to Jisc to support further education (FE) colleges with access to digital services and to aid in the implementation of the Digital 2030 strategic framework for digital learning in Wales. Jisc is conducting research to determine what measures can be taken to unlock the potential of digital learning in FE colleges moving forward.