Microsoft IT Academy and Microsoft Training Centre officially open at Wirral's Sixth Form College

10 February 2014

Wirral’s specialist sixth form college has officially opened its Microsoft IT Academy and Microsoft Training Centre to students and the community.

We are now able to offer computer training and support packages to people across Wirral and Merseyside – from businesses and entrepreneurs to charities and public sector bodies – as well as our staff and students.

The academy is fitted with the latest technology and software from Microsoft, including the MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) testing software.

This ties in very strongly with another of Microsoft’s technologies that The Sixth Form College were one of the pilot colleges to test, Microsoft Office 365 Education – which allows our students free access to a valuable software program and tools such as Microsoft Office Web Apps, Microsoft Project Online and One Drive Pro – a cloud storage service with 25GB storage capacity, on top of a 50 GB mailbox.

Learning Manager Mal Blackburne said: “We understand that the College has a responsibility to the wider Wirral area. As a Microsoft Training Centre we can up-skill businesses or individuals who need help in computer training. People can log-on from home or at work and we provide guidance and support throughout beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

“We also believe that IT should be readily available for all our students and are delighted to be able to offer software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, as well as a range of subject-specific packages in Music, Art, Maths, Science and much more.

“This is a big new venture for us and we believe that we are the only college in the region to offer these courses.”

Principal Kathryn Podmore said: “It is fantastic that we are able to offer such valuable technology to our local community and help local businesses, charities and public sector bodies to support their staff with their technological development.

“The College has a strong track record of delivering successful IT and computer training and we encourage students to use the available software for both curricular and extra-curricular activities. We are extremely proud as a college to hold status as a Microsoft Academy.”

A representative from Microsoft was on hand this week to formally launch the college as an accredited IT Academy and Training Centre.

Mike Morris, Microsoft Business Manager for Further Education, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Wirral’s Sixth Form College. They are leading the way in their sector, being one of the first education providers in the North West to hold both the Microsoft IT Academy and Microsoft Training Centre status.

“What really strikes me as special about their IT Academy is the ambition for its success both in the college and in the larger community, and the strategic technology approach that is being embraced by the college.”

For more information about The Microsoft IT Academy and Training Centre contact Mal Blackburne at most@bsfc.ac.uk.