Digital learning centre opens for discovery day

Harper Adams University Telford has opened a new building in the town

A new digital learning centre in the heart of Telford is throwing open its doors on Saturday to prospective students.

Harper Adams University Telford (HAUT) has opened at The Quad, a new building at the heart of the town's Station Quarter development.

The discovery day event includes activities involving robotics, engineering, automation, business and data science.

Firms hoping to recruit graduates from courses there will also be represented.

The executive academic director of HAUT, Parmjit Chima, said it would "help provide companies, in the West Midlands and beyond, with students who are equipped with the digital and technology skills so many of these companies are seeking".

The event, from 10:00 to 16:00 GMT, will include a range of science, technology, engineering and maths activities including F1 in schools, a hackathon exploring how data shapes modern industries, and robotics technology.

Attendees will even be able to play four-in-a-row with a robot.

“They’ll be able to be welcomed by Oscar the robot, who will be helping to check people in," said vice-chancellor Ken Sloane.

"If young people want to come in and have a go at racing a racing car within the building, they can do that.

"It’s designed for all age ranges, I’d be happy for my nephews to be there but I’d be equally happy for my mother to be there," he added.

The centre was opened last month by the Princess Royal

Amid the fun, the point of the day is to highlight the centre's importance in developing staff of the future for technology firms in the region.

Experts will be on hand to explain how automation is making industry faster and smarter, and companies working with Harper Adams at the hub will be attending.

"We’re bringing these courses into the heart of Telford, so instead of just teaching over on the campus, we’re now part of that integrated digital hub," said Mr Sloane.

"The workforce is going to need to have the skills and understanding to use digital technology, in order to improve productivity and also to advance what we can do.

"It’s a real building of opportunity and innovation, and we’re delighted to be part of it."