Lancashire schoolchildren set to try AI as part of scheme backed by major blue chip firms

The ground breaking programme, called Lancashire MEGA Hubs, is aimed at enhancing digital skills and career opportunities for Lancashire's young people.

This means Lancashire pupils will get rare opportunities, including hands-on experience working with AI, coding, cyber security, virtual reality and machine learning, through an extensive super curriculum, offering extra-curricular days and an out-of-school Cyber and Esports Academy. 

Meanwhile, digital skills will also be brought to life in traditional subjects like English, Maths, Geography, and Languages as part of the innovative Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) programme.

With funds of £550k coming from the Lancashire Economic Growth & Development Investment Fund (LEGDIF) -   a strategic initiative led by Lancashire County Council   - the programme will be available to all secondary schools across Lancashire until the end of the academic year 2026.

The scheme is being run in partnership with IN4 Group, an award-winning technology group. IN4 and its industry partners, such as IBM, KPMG UK, Northrop Grumman, CGI, QinetiQ, Roke and BT, alongside government partners, including the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ and the National Cyber Force, are making a considerable investment of both financial resources and expertise.

 This will give students across Lancashire a bespoke industry-informed enrichment programme to improve outcomes for local young people.

The announcement comes as the spotlight falls on Lancashire this week as it hosts the Convention of the North in Preston, bringing together key leaders from various sectors to discuss and address the challenges and opportunities facing the North of England.

 Phillippa Williamson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, commented:

"We are incredibly excited about the Lancashire MEGA Hubs and the opportunities it will bring to our young people. This initiative aligns perfectly with our strategic goals to create a skilled and inclusive workforce and meet the growing demand for digital, cyber and tech skills from our employers. By partnering with IN4 Group, we are confident that we can inspire the next generation of digital professionals and ensure that Lancashire remains at the forefront of technological innovation."

 Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group, added:

"I’m proud to have brought this investment to deliver the Lancashire MEGA Hubs programme, which Lancashire County Council has matched. We’re passionate about empowering young people to achieve their potential, regardless of their socioeconomic or disadvantaged background, through a bespoke technology programme that has a hugely positive impact where they will gain an understanding of the highly skilled career pathways open to them. The MEGA Hubs will enable tech first experiences and opportunities encompassing all emerging technologies, helping bridge the digital skills gap and creating a diverse and dynamic workforce for the future."