The Odyssey Trust has opened a state-of-the-art learning centre, LIFE at W5, as part of a major extension to its mission to offer learning innovation for everyone.
Representing a capital investment of circa £3m, the facility will support the learning and skills pipeline in Northern Ireland, creating and nurturing future talent for STEM and technology sectors. Working in partnership with industry partners including Microsoft, Almac and Belfast Harbour, the Odyssey Trust anticipates the centre will offer skills-based learning and training programmes and outreach to over 160,000 people over the next five years.
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The impressive 20,000sq. foot space occupies the former Bambu Beach Club and is part of the overall reimagining of the Odyssey complex. LIFE at W5 will offer on-site and digital outreach programmes to foster and facilitate opportunities for young people in industries with real and tangible career opportunities.
Particular effort will be made to identify and engage with hard-to-reach schools, young people and adult learners in underrepresented communities, through strategic linkages and direct community engagement work.
Judith Harvey, Group Head of Education and Public Engagement, Odyssey Trust said: “As a charitable Trust, we want to make a difference. Our programming will focus on accessible and inclusive approaches to gaining employability and life skills, not just for young people, but across all life stages, promoting true lifelong learning.
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“Working collaboratively with our founding partners Microsoft, Almac and Belfast Harbour, we are developing programmes that will have a positive impact on people’s lives, whilst addressing the skills gaps needed to grow the NI economy and create jobs. Programmes will have inbuilt progression and industry accreditation opportunities, linked to employability pathways.”
Within LIFE at W5, Microsoft has invested in the creation of a dedicated Microsoft Dream Space experience for the students and teachers of Northern Ireland to access. The fully immersive STEM experience has been developed by Microsoft in partnership with educators to inspire, encourage and challenge students to think creatively in areas such as computer science, AI, Mixed Reality, and robotics.
Source: Written from a press release
