Tech Park launched to drive digital skills in Bletchley

A new centre to drive digital skills has opened in Bletchley at the South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT), part of Milton Keynes College Group.  Tech Park Bletchley offers courses from the most basic digital programmes up to more sophisticated certificates in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR).   

The Tech Park has been co-funded by Milton Keynes City Council, using a grant the city council successfully bid for from the Government’s Town Deal programme to help with the regeneration of Bletchley and bring long term economic growth.  

Anna Clarke heads up Tech Park for Milton Keynes College Group.  She says it has courses that could appeal to just about anyone. “We’ve had school children learning about VR and we’ve had business people taking their existing digital skills to a higher level.  Some companies might want to update several staff on a particular programme, like Microsoft Excel for example; others might need us to support only one or two individuals on understanding what AI could mean for their business. At the other end of the scale, we can also help people who want to be able to get more from their phones or learn how to book a GP appointment online; we’re incredibly flexible.” 

The Tech Park is entirely self-contained at the SCIoT site with meeting rooms and teaching spaces and it’s equipped with all kinds of high-tech equipment including VR headsets and Sphero Balls, mini robots that help to teach people how to write computer code. 

Anna says, “We know that a lack of knowledge and confidence in terms of digital skills are holding a lot of people back when it comes to career progression, and that’s something we need to address in an area like ours where there are so many digitally-related businesses needing people to work for them. There are plenty of people who lack the most basic knowledge, and we’re trialling an essential digital skills course right now to try to address that. We want to hear from individuals, from schools, from companies and community groups – anyone who thinks they might benefit from the training we can offer.” 

Tech Park has already been training young people from Milton Keynes YMCA to give them a better chance of finding work, as well as being visited by pupils from Lord Grey Academy in Bletchley for our launch event, who found the experience of wearing VR headsets really useful for revision. 

Lord Grey Academy computer science teacher Sakshi Pabbi says, “Thank you for choosing Lord Grey Academy for the Tech Park event. The session was really great and showed how much technology can change education. Your way of teaching with 3D was cool and made learning fun. Seeing technology mix virtual stuff into the real world was amazing. By using 3D technology, you showed a smart way of teaching that gets students involved and helps them understand better.  Overall, the session proved how powerful technology can be in making education better. It gives us new ways to learn and be interested. I’m excited to see more advancements and use them in my own learning.”  

Anna says age is no barrier to learning about tech.  “It doesn’t matter how young or old you are and what level of digital skills you have already, if at all, we think we’ll have something for pretty much everyone.”  

Anyone who would like to find out more can visit https://southcentraliot.ac.uk/tech-park-bletchley/   

Former SCIoT student thrives in Milton Keynes business community 

Deborah Mungai, a former student of the South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) in Bletchley – part of the Milton Keynes College Group – has become a key member of the Milton Keynes business community in the two years after completing her course. 

The young entrepreneur completed her Higher National Diploma in Cyber and Computer Forensics in May of 2022 at the SCIoT and since then has started her own business in event photography, website services, branding and creative marketing. Deborah is also a podcast co-host and a regular public speaker in Milton Keynes and further afield, covering topics such as entrepreneurship, cyber awareness, education activism, and empowering more women and people of colour to get into the STEM industry. 

And recently, Deborah was chosen by Iain Stewart, MP for Milton Keynes South, as a Local Skills Champion. This involved Deborah and her mother visiting 10 Downing Street, where they had the opportunity to meet other champions from all parts of the country and to interact with other Members of Parliament and the Secretary of State for Education.  

On the experience of visiting Downing Street, Deborah said: “It was a wonderful experience, and I consider it a significant achievement that I proudly wear as a minority, empowering others. During the event, I networked with people from various business sectors and apprenticeships. Following the event, I’m planning to visit the House of Commons and explore the possibility of opening a club to support migrants arriving in the country to integrate in the UK school system and career through an initiative I am working on with my mother”. 

Deborah is also taking part in a podcast called ‘Inspirational MK’ with Women Leaders, which has been recorded at Milton Keynes College’s Chaffron Centre with the support of the College’s Media Studies students and will be launched on International Women’s Day on 8^th March. 

Speaking about her time at the SCIoT, Deborah said: “Studying at the SCIoT has been a transformative journey for me; it has played a pivotal role in shaping me into the driven and accomplished individual I am today. I vividly remember being an apprehensive yet talented 18-year-old, unsure of which career path to embark upon. However, the SCIoT provided me with the guidance and resources to not only excel in the technology realm but also explore my passion for marketing. Through its extensive network and opportunities, I’ve been able to flourish as an entrepreneur, leveraging connections forged during my time at the institute, both in business and the rapidly evolving technology sector. My advice to prospective students is simple: seize the opportunity that this institute presents. Its diverse offerings and comprehensive curriculum have equipped me with far more than just a cybersecurity degree; I’ve gained invaluable skills, including effective communication in professional settings.”    

James Nowell, Head of School at the SCIoT commented: “Everyone at the SCIoT in Bletchley is extremely proud of Deborah and everything she has achieved, both during her studies with us and since she completed her course. Deborah’s success is a fantastic example of why the SCIoT is so valuable in the Milton Keynes community. We provide our learners with the opportunities to study in state-of-the-art facilities with tutors who are industry experts and take part in real-world projects that give them the skills to excel in the digital and technology sectors. We’re excited to see what the future holds for Deborah and all of our learners who choose to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities available at the SCIoT.” 

For more information on the South Central Institute of Technology in Bletchley, visit southcentraliot.ac.uk 

SCIoT welcomes Secretary of State for Education 

On Friday 12 January, staff and students from the South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) welcomed the Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan MP, along with Iain Stewart, the Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes South, to the Bletchley campus. 

From digital skills and coding to game design and cyber-crime, the Secretary of State had the opportunity to meet with the students and the staff to learn more about their education, their experiences and their aspirations once completing their course. The Secretary of State also spent time with lecturers and the Senior team to understand the values and aims of the SCIoT, and the challenges faced by both colleagues and learners. 

Everyone at the SCIoT was excited to show the Secretary of State the benefits of partnering with a range of employers both local and national to offer a curriculum to students that brings education and business closer together, encourages collaboration between colleges and business, and delivers world class technical education. 

The Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan MP said: “The South Central Institute of Technology is making our next generation of code makers next door to the old site of the WW2 codebreakers. 

“It was excellent to meet the leadership team behind the SCIoT and see first-hand the range of courses being undertaken by students, not only from Milton Keynes but also from further afield. Iain has campaigned for more opportunities so the next generation in Milton Keynes have the skills they need to get ahead in their careers. As an MP he is a true champion for education, and I look forward to continuing to work with him as we continue to deliver on his local education priorities.” 

Iain Stewart MP added: “I am delighted I had the opportunity to showcase the South Central Institute of Technology to the Secretary of State for Education, it is a truly brilliant facility we have in Bletchley. 

“The SCIoT is providing students a hands-on approach to learning about technology, digital subjects and coding, and the Secretary of State really enjoyed meeting the staff, students and leadership team.” 

Sally Alexander, CEO and Group Principal for Milton Keynes College Group said: “It was a wonderful boost to receive a visit from the Secretary of State and to have the opportunity for her to see at first-hand what a fabulous facility the South Central Institute of Technology is. 

“It was great to be able to explain to her just how much the SCIoT is helping to create digital futures for so many people and to provide the much needed 21st century skills in such high demand in the Milton Keynes area.” 

To learn more about the South Central Institute of Technology and the courses on offer, you can visit https://southcentraliot.ac.uk/ 

SCIoT to host free conference to Demystify AI for Milton Keynes businesses

A free conference is being held to support business owners local to Milton Keynes with understanding AI and harnessing its potential for their business.  

The ‘Demystifying AI’ event is happening at the South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) in Bletchley on Thursday 7^th March between 1:30pm and 4:30pm. The conference will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities for attendees from various sectors and backgrounds.  

There will be sessions from speakers from Microsoft, KPMG and The Open University, which will explore the current state and future potential of AI, as well as the ethical and social implications of its development and use.  

Caroline Indge, Head of Partnerships and Innovation at Milton Keynes College Group, commented: “AI offers numerous opportunities for growth and efficiency and holds the potential to transform and streamline businesses in a positive direction, but we still see organisations facing issues embracing AI. Our ‘Demystifying AI’ event will help businesses to understand what AI tools are available to them and how they could use them to make their businesses more efficient, competitive and prepared for the technology of the future. 

“We’re delighted to have the support of MKAI for this event, as well as speakers from Microsoft, KPMG and The Open University. We’re excited to support local businesses with understanding and embracing the opportunities that AI can offer and think that the industry-leading facilities at the SCIoT will help to make this a useful event for our local business community.” 

Richard Foster-Fletcher from MKAI commented: “At MKAI, we are committed to cultivating authentic and forthright conversations about the ethical and safety implications of artificial intelligence. We believe that all voices and perspectives are essential in this collective effort to ensure that AI is developed and used ethically, safely, and beneficially for all. We’re proud to be partnering with the SCIoT on the ‘Demystifying AI’ event and are looking forward to supporting local businesses with understanding how they can harness the power of AI.” 

To book your place at this free event, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/demystifying-artificial-intelligence-conference-mk-tickets-759557365527  

Green Ideas a hit with judges at Hackathon hosted by SCIoT 

Teams of people aged 18 – 35 battled it out at the South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) in Bletchley to come up with the best business ideas, using AI to create practical, sustainable solutions to real world problems.  This AI Hackathon for the Common Good initiative was part of the British Council’s Stronger Together youth leadership programme. 

Participants were treated to an intense bootcamp looking at the fundamentals of AI and how it could help combat climate change and support sustainability across the world.  The teams then had to come up with their ideas and pitch them to an expert panel. 

The winners, which included SCIoT software development apprentice, Sam Bailey who works at Encore Environment, came up with an idea for how to use two different types of AI to read and digitise paper documents, and transfer the relevant information into the right places on his employer’s computer system. 

Sam said, “I very much enjoyed myself and everything went very smoothly.  It was an entertaining and interactive presentation which contained a lot of interesting information about both AI and sustainability.  All of the teams seemed to work together exceptionally well and I’m sure it was tough to judge.” 

Sam’s team’s prize is a study trip to Bristol where they’ll meet other winners from similar events from across Europe.  Head of School at the SCIoT, James Nowell, was also one of the judges and said, “The event provided an outstanding opportunity for our students to delve into the positive applications of AI and its pivotal role in advancing sustainability. The Hackathon united students from diverse educational paths — apprenticeships, higher education, and our Access to Higher Education courses — all to address real-world issues through AI solutions.” 

“Hosting this event in our newly constructed, sustainably designed building highlighted our dedication to digital learning. Observing our students present impactful solutions filled me with immense pride. It was an honour to contribute to the incredible work of the British Council.” 

Tim Moore, Cultural Engagement Business Director at the British Council said, “The Artificial Intelligence (AI) strand of our Stronger Together programme aims to develop specialised skills that will enable young leaders to design AI-based solutions to address social and climate challenges. We would like to thank the SCIoT for hosting the AI Hackathon for the Common Good.   The excellent facilities made the hackathon an enjoyable experience for participants.  Students were very committed to the tasks throughout the whole training and their responses were incredibly impressive. It is worth mentioning that during the pitch of ideas at the end of the hackathon, there was a high level of focus and great questions to the presenters were asked. A fantastic event for all involved.”   

An eventful first year as CEO – 2023 highlights

By Sally Alexander, CEO and Group Principal at Milton Keynes College Group

I can’t believe it’s gone so quickly, but I’ve just passed the first anniversary of my appointment as CEO and Group Principal of Milton Keynes College Group, and what a busy year it’s been. 

People always ask about your highlights, but it’s impossible to list them all properly.  Every time you think, “Oh, I mustn’t leave that out,” something else pops into your head vying for space.  So, while I’m going to include a select few things of which I’m most proud, it is by no means exhaustive. 

When I was interviewed by the Board for this job, I said that Growth would be a really important priority for my tenure.  And I’m really pleased to say that in this first year, student numbers are up 17%.  We’ve expanded our T Level provision and are preparing to launch A Levels in September 2024.  We’ve taken on more prison education, having been awarded the contract for ten more institutions in Kent, Surrey and Sussex and supported the opening of the brand new HMP Fosse Way.  This means we now provide education for thirty prisons across England, and have been pleased to welcome many new colleagues as a result. We’ve had the official opening of the South Central Institute of Technology, and what a fabulous event that was.   

Our College can’t possibly grow in isolation, and I’m really pleased to say that our connections to industry and business have expanded a great deal too.  Our relationships with some of the city’s biggest employers like Red Bull, Santander and Network Rail are central to that collaboration, as are myriad smaller, less well-known businesses that also enter wholeheartedly into partnership with us. 

I wanted to cement our position in the local community.  We’re here to serve our local population, so it’s absolutely crucial that we are fully embedded in what’s going on around us.  College in the Community Day, the Community Iftar, the CEO Sleepout (which we hosted, as we did the Teen Tech Festival) and the City of Codes & Light Festival, were all occasions when the Group felt able to support our communities. 

A good year for awards 

Every year you hope to win the odd award (and hand them out as we did to mark the performance of some wonderful and inspirational individuals at the Students of the Year Awards) and notable successes include Jack Maude’s Excellent Educator award at the Lions Barber Collective’s Collective Pride Awards, the Milton Keynes Inspiration Award that our Performing Arts staff and students won for their “Broken” play that students devised, wrote and performed as part of a project with Thames Valley Police on the subject of knife crime.  Then we were named College of the Year by awarding body VTCT for the Hair, Beauty and Hospitality departments.  Staff and students even helped land a Guiness World Record in support of the MK Can event for Milton Keynes Food Bank with ten kilometres of tin cans running through Campbell Park. Our Public Services students were even recognised with an award for their hard work at the event from the Food Bank at its recent annual conference. 

This first year in my role has also seen us continue our work to support our diverse communities across the College Group. From receiving the Silver Award for the Armed Forces Covenant in recognition of our commitment to supporting colleagues from the armed forces community and their families, to sponsoring and attending Milton Keynes Pride Festival, to retaining our Leaders in Diversity accreditation and taking part in the Student Ambassadors for Racial Justice initiative.  I’m proud that we’ve taken such significant steps, demonstrating our commitment to an inclusive educational environment and workplace for all colleagues and students. 

Our staff are our treasure 

A College is nothing without its staff, who deserve so much praise for the lifechanging support they give our students. 

I’m very proud, but also very humbled.  In this job I’m constantly aware of the impact I’m able to have on people’s lives here in Milton Keynes and in our wider prison communities.  It’s only once you become CEO that you understand how much of an impact your decisions can have.  The team will always look to you for direction and leadership, and the weight of responsibility is always there.  You don’t realise (or at least I didn’t) the extent to which the buck really will stop with you, and I’m really grateful to the Board for the support and advice they give. 

We’ve worked really hard at further developing our positive relationships with key stakeholders such as the council, local universities and schools, as well as employers.  Neither they nor we operate untouched by the world outside, and trying to do the right thing in the global and national context is like being a small boat on a stormy sea sometimes.  Nobody would deny these are challenging times, from the cost-of-living crisis to the wars in Ukraine and Israel/Palestine.  Feelings run high and we have to work very hard to support our students as they also navigate those choppy waters, passionate as they are about their world.  Apart from helping them try to make sense of that wider context, we also need to keep them safe within it.  Safeguarding comes in many forms, in the real and virtual worlds.  Online bullying and knife crime exist all around us, and we cannot escape their impact.  All we can hope to do is to protect and mitigate for our young people as far as is humanly possible.  The introduction of checks using safety arches to detect and deter knives has been widely welcomed by students and staff who say it makes them feel safer.  Again, sitting in this seat that wider context is thrown into even greater relief, because it’s down to you to ensure the organisation reacts to it appropriately and in good time.  It is also hugely rewarding on those occasions when you can use your position to make decisions that have a demonstrably positive impact. 

As I start my second year in the job, I promise you that I will build upon the policies I’ve described, serving the people who rely upon us for Fairer Futures for all. 

SCIoT student shortlisted at National Cyber Awards

Milton Keynes College Group is proud to announce that Rich Lee, one of our students at the South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) was nominated at the National Cyber Awards as one of the finalists in the Cyber Student of the Year award.

Rich, who studies Cyber Security at the SCIoT, was nominated for his ability to extrapolate a concept and apply it in a creative way making these concepts accessible to a broader audience. Rich joined the South Central Institute of Technology later in life than most traditional students, having several careers behind him already not relating to Cyber security. 

He joined to study a Level 4 Higher National Diploma in Digital Technologies and has excelled this year with all his units, especially the one relating to Cyber Security. Under the supervision of lecturer Paul Gartside, former Head of UK Software Engineering & UK Technology Site Lead, Rich has continually impressed lecturers at the SCIoT and the employers for work with us, including CCL and Cranfield University. His creative approach to problem solving is uplifting and supportive to the other students around him which is why others seek his advice on cyber related threat problems set in the learning environment.

The prestigious awards, held on 25th September, focus on rewarding those who are committed to cyber innovation, cyber crime reduction and protecting citizens online.

Paul Gartside, Lecturer in Cyber Security and Data Analytics, and one of Rich’s tutors, said, “I’m so proud of Rich for getting shortlisted as one of the students of the year. His hard work and dedication are an inspiration to everyone around him and, even though he might not have won on the night, to me, he won simply by getting to the national finals. This is real achievement and something we should all celebrate.”