Middlesbrough College training ‘techsperts’ of the future 

Tech savvy students searching for the perfect programme to kick start their career in computing should click on to Middlesbrough College.   
 
Boasting an unrivalled team of industry-experienced teachers, first-class facilities and courses designed in partnership with employers, the College is taking the lead when it comes to delivering higher technical qualifications (HTQs) that will help students secure highly skilled, highly paid jobs in the digital sector.   
 
HTQs are new or existing Level 4 and 5 qualifications, such as HNDs, Foundation Degrees and Higher Education Diplomas, that have been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education as meeting occupational standards for the relevant sector.  
 
The qualifications are a high-quality and prestigious choice for learners – among other routes such as apprenticeships or degrees – and have been designed in collaboration with industry-leading employers and businesses, to give students the specific training, knowledge and skills required for their chosen career in computing.  
 
So how can this specialist training open doors to jobs in one of the world’s fastest growing sectors? 
 
Logging on to higher-level technical training  
While HTQs are set to be rolled out over the next two years – with digital qualifications being the first to be delivered from this September – Middlesbrough College is already providing high-quality technical training with courses like its Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Diplomas (HNDs) in Computing offering learners a unique insight into the digital sector.  
 
HNCs and HNDs are vocationally orientated qualifications specifically designed to provide practical, industry related skills to both college leavers and those already working in a job who either want to retrain or advance in their careers.  
 
More flexible than traditional degrees, there are a number of routes available to learners who complete a one-year HNC – including the chance to kick-start their career in industry early or progress onto an HND to further their technical skills and secure a high skilled, high paid job in the field. Many learners also stay at the College to complete a BSC top up to secure a degree.   
 
Tapping into a thriving tech scene  
Higher Technical Qualifications open the door to higher skilled, higher paid jobs in a wide range of digital disciplines including Network Engineering and Software Development.  
 
Anne-Marie Chiswell, director of Programme at Middlesbrough College, said: “The digital community here in the North East is one of the fastest developing in the UK and there’s so much potential on our doorstep.  
 
“Middlesbrough College is leading the way when it comes to delivering higher level of technical education that will help students tap into those opportunities and secure their dream job.  
 
“While we offer a range of digital courses to suit all levels, HNCs and HNDs are a great option not just for students entering the workplace for the first time but also those who want may want to retrain.   
 
“Courses are delivered by expert tutors – many of whom come from industry backgrounds – and students have access to industry-leading facilities and equipment that gives them that competitive edge with potential employers. 
 
“Combine that with the sheer demand for these specialist digital skills and there’s never been a better time for students to invest in their future.”  
 
Designing your dream career 
One student who tapped into the College’s computing expertise is Cameron Seamon.  
The 18-year-old from Middlesbrough had already completed a Level 3 in Cyber Security and opted to continue his studies at the College rather than going to University.  
 
He said: “Middlesbrough College is brilliant and I’m so glad I chose to stay here. I was considering going to university, however the College already had everything I needed.  
“The tutors are great – I get a lot more one-to-one time with them than I probably would have at university – and the facilities are fantastic too.  
 
“We already have access to plenty of high-tech equipment and the College is always investing in its facilities – like the new Digital Centre that will be opening soon.  
“I know I’ve made the right decision to stay here and continue my studies and I’d recommend it to anyone.” 
 
The perfect programme 
As well as its HTQ offering and expert tutors, Middlesbrough College is home to unrivalled training facilities, including the £20m STEM Training Centre and a dedicated digital hub, MC Digital. 
 
Earlier this year, Professor Brian Cox CBE helped Middlesbrough College launch a further £20m of investment into its campus, including a new state-of-the-art Digital Centre among other facilities. The new centre will host industry-leading programming suites, cyber labs, video editing suites, a games design suite and a full TV and film studio.   
 
The STEM Centre was also recently expanded to include a dedicated University Centre, featuring a bespoke higher education study area, classrooms and tutorial zones, with easy access to the technical and specialist industry equipment and facilities required for a range of technical courses. 
 
And as part of the North East Institute of Technology (IoT) – a collaboration between further education providers, universities and employers – Middlesbrough College is also the sole deliver of IoT accredited courses in the Tees Valley in disciplines such as such as digital, construction, engineering and business management.  
 
So, whether you’re a school leaver prepared for the next step in your education journey, a career changer ready to tackle the tech industry or a budding entrepreneur looking to build skills to last a lifetime, Middlesbrough College can take you higher.