Ipswich Borough Council invests £50,000 into Suffolk New College’s learning curve initiative

Ipswich Borough Council has invested £50,000 into Suffolk New College in a bid to enhance skills and address regional challenges.

The cash, which came from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), has been pumped into the college’s ‘learning curve’ initiative.

This new programme is designed to spur economic growth and ‘reduce regional disparities’.

It would prioritise practical skill-building, industry collaboration and ‘promote a love of reading’, the authority said – and is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and employment.

Cllr Neil MacDonald, leader of the borough council, described the learning curve initiative as a ‘transformational project’ for pupils at Suffolk New College.

He said: “This investment will create a dynamic learning environment where students can achieve their full potential, while also promoting reading as a fundamental part of their development.

“Together, we will nurture talent, inspire innovation, and strengthen the economic prosperity of our community.”

The council’s funding will go towards creating modern facilities with the tools students need to learn skills to succeed in the modern job market, Cllr MacDonald said.

This includes 80 new computers suitable for games design students.

Emma Taylor, director of business development and major projects at Suffolk Project at Suffolk New College, said: “The learning curve is located at the heart of Suffolk New College’s Ipswich campus and is a busy, inclusive and open-access space, with the purpose of supporting the learning and development of our diverse college community.

“It is the central point for careers advice and resources, and also a crucial quiet working space for learners without their own computers at home to do their work.”