College group highly commended for its digital efforts – including TECH:TRUCK mobile roadshow

South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) has achieved ‘highly commended’ status at the latest Digital Education Awards following a year of successful initiatives.

Among them are the group’s mobile technology roadshow TECH:TRUCK, its new digital training vessel, and the South Coast Institute of Technology, which brings together further and higher education providers from across Hampshire.

The accolade also acknowledges the organisation’s commitment to community impact, diversity and tech-driven learning, addressing local needs and reducing skills gaps.

Naomi Smith, local skills improvement fund programme director at South Hampshire College Group, said: “We’re delighted to receive this recognition for our digital breakthroughs this year as an organisation.

“TECH:TRUCK has grown to become one of the most popular attractions in the Solent’s education sector.

“It introduces exciting new technical education technologies to young people and helps them identify career pathways in our LSIP-identified priority sectors, including creative arts, health and social care, engineering and manufacturing, marine engineering and net zero technologies.

“As we continue to embrace the innovation ecosystem through initiatives such as our state-of-the-art digital training vessel (DTV1), we’re excited to be at the forefront of industry-led skills development for the Solent.

“The South Coast Institute of Technology represents unprecedented higher technical education opportunities thanks to the collaboration of further education and higher education providers across Hampshire.

“We’re constantly looking to innovate and grow, and this award gives us great encouragement going forward into 2025.”

A judge for the awards told the winners: “Your proactive collaboration and innovative use of technology position SHCG as a transformative leader in education.

“By continuing to embrace and expand these strategies, you have the opportunity to solidify your reputation as a key player in reshaping the local skills landscape.”

• shcg.ac.uk