An enterprising partnership between education and industry saw the launch of a new £16,000 IT suite at The Coleshill School.

Leading Warwickshire engineering firm, Sertec, is investing in the future of thousands of young people by funding the purchase of new digital equipment at the popular Coleshill School.

‘The Sertec Suite’ officially opened at the academy on Tuesday 18 July. Boasting 32 computers, the new facility will provide hi-tech education to the academy’s 1,000 plus students, as well as pupils at neighbouring primary schools.

Group CEO, Grant Adams said: “We are delighted to be working with a forward-thinking partner in Coleshill School; they are an outstanding faculty and Sertec will continue to support the educational needs of the next generation of students about our hi-tech industry.”

The facility marks the school and business’ first year of working together to help young talent. Both organisations have collaborated to actively promote apprenticeships and support a number of opportunities for students, including work experience placements, career-related events and mock interviews.

Ian Smith-Childs, headteacher of the Coleshill School, a business and enterprise academy, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the school and community and we would like to thank Sertec for its continued support and generosity. They share the value we place in our young people and our commitment to equipping them with the right education and skills for a successful future.

“The Sertec Suite will enable us help young people switch on to technology from an early age and to develop that passion into the workplace. We are also excited to be able to open this facility up to our community primary schools – Coding is a key part of the national curriculum and thanks to this welcome investment, we can unlock the potential in even more children.”

The collaboration is also a positive experience for Sertec. Through developing key relationships with local schools in the community, Sertec has been building awareness of the value in apprenticeship schemes and by doing so, this greatly supports its search for technical staff, which are critical for the company’s future growth and development plans.

Steve Moore, group HR director, added: “This is only stage one of an important journey for Sertec and the Coleshill school. The youth of today have the opportunity to become part of the structure of a successful business and there are no boundaries that will limit the aspirations of all students.

“We are committed to this project and greatly appreciate having the opportunity to work with a successful school and the dedicated staff, without whom, none of this would be possible.”