The new year brings good news for tech students at Strode College - their T Level Digital courses will have a learning partner to enhance their curriculum giving students a hands-on experience with cloud apps by following Red Hat® Academy training.

This exciting opportunity will enable Strode students to be at the cutting edge of the cloud computing revolution. Red Hat® Academy benefits students and educational institutions alike by offering a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on instruction, immersive labs, and performance-based testing.

Strode students will be part of the next generation of IT talent with FREE access to a range of Red Hat's training courses and certification exams.

Paul Taylor, Digital Sector Lead said: "Strode College has been successful as one of the few FE colleges that are now a Red Hat Academy. This relationship will give Strode students access to industry-based qualifications that are greatly sought after and prepare them well for whatever the next step takes them. Red Hat are also supporting Strode with technical support, guidance, workshops and mentoring."

This partnership will prepare students with real life-skills ready for the workforce. T Levels require for students to undertake a minimum of 45 working days in the field. The aim is for students to learn the foundation skills necessary to embark on diverse technology topics; and close the gap between the skills employers require and what students can supply.

The courses focus on designing, implementing, and testing software. It teaches students how to create solutions in a collaborative environment. It also covers applying ethical principles, managing risks in line with legal and regulatory requirements when developing software.

It will also be an opportunity for students to challenge themselves and take advantage of all the advance courses offered by the academy to upskill themselves, and after their industry placement they can secure permanent employment with Red Hat or other software institutions.

Once students are trained with these new technologies their possibilities expand to work as Software Engineers, Data Analysts, Data Scientists or Business Intelligence Developers in sought-after industries such as cloud-based technologies, gaming technologies or cyber security for example.

As the nation suffers from a shortage of IT professionals, training students with the right skills is essential. Strode College's partnership with Red Hat Academy enriches their curriculum and helps students reach their academic and career potential.

Strode College offers two digital T Level courses: Digital Production, Design & Development and Digital Data Management, for more information visit strode-college.ac.uk.