New digital hub a R.E.A.L-ity for alternative education provider

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 9 July 2019

UPDATED: 9 July 2019

Alternative education solutions provider R.E.A.L Education has opened the doors of a state-of-the-art Creative and Digital Hub, which is set to kickstart a skills revolution in the region.

The purpose-built new facility, on Mansfield’s Acorn Business Park, has been kitted out with the very latest industry-standard equipment and technology, to give learners the opportunity to gain the real-world skills and expertise that creative and digital employers are looking for.

The centre will offer a wide range of pre- and post-16 structured learning programmes, with learners gaining valuable work experience in the creative and digital arts sectors by working with organisations such as Sony, the NHS, Vahterus, County Battery Services and Dalmatian Systems.  

All its courses will be delivered by expert practitioners with industry experience and have been developed to give learners a better understanding of the skills employers are looking for, to help them forge a career in creative or digital.

It offers a broad curriculum including animation and graphic design, photography and digital media production.

Places are now available for the start of the next academic year for Key Stage 3 and 4 learners, with

taster sessions available to anyone interested in finding out more.

R.E.A.L Education Director Richard Smith said: “We’re incredibly proud of our new Creative and Digital Hub and are delighted to have finally opened the doors.

“It really is a completely unique, one-of-a-kind facility for our area, which will give learners the opportunity to learn, develop and hone new skills, using industry-standard tech and equipment, to give them a complete grounding in what employers in the highly-competitive digital and creative sectors are looking for.

“We are also forging strong partnerships with some prominent organisations in industry, which are  recognising the talent and skills that our learners are bringing to the table, and are commissioning them to do work on a commercial basis.

“Our long-term aim is to develop these links further, so we can continue to give our learners the opportunity to gain experience working on real-world projects while they are here, while preparing them for the world of work and giving them a viable route into employment at the end of their learning.”   

Founded in 2008, R.E.A.L Education is a specialist provider of education solutions for children and young people who are ‘lost to learning’ or ‘hard to place’ within mainstream schooling.

With 240 staff and delivery across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, it has forged an excellent reputation for re-engaging children and young people in learning.

By taking a precise and holistic to each individual learner’s needs, it builds a bespoke programme around each child in its care, working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders to affect change and enable them to reach their full potential.

It offers a broad curriculum of subjects, including farming, music production, mechanics, catering & hospitality, sport, land-based studies and construction, as well as bespoke GCSE and functional skills groups, and pathways into higher qualifications and apprenticeships.

Richard Smith added: “While mainstream schools still do a fantastic job in helping to socialise, educate and engage the next generation, the journey through mainstream education for some youngsters is not a smooth one. Our aim is to offer what our learners need to help them make the most of their potential.

“This requires a highly flexible approach, specialised skills and lots of experience in working with young people with additional needs. It also requires lots of energy and the right attitude.”

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