Pupils from Barlby High School recently got a taste of what working in a high-tech IT lab looks like, as part of a network taster session at Selby College.

This saw pupils learn how to create their own networks using industry-standard equipment within the College’s brand-new Information Technology (IT) lab.

They also explored the different types of networks and how they work, as well how to set up their own networks including both wireless and wired access to help learn the fundamentals of Internet Protocol (IP) addressing.

Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed the networking session at Selby College and jumped at the chance to be able to use such high-tech equipment which is used out in the industry. The session was not only fun and engaging, but extremely informative, helping to open their eyes to the different opportunities and type of roles which are available within Computing and IT. We look forward to visiting the lab again with our pupils soon.

Following an investment of over £150,000, the lab boasts a range of hardware and networking equipment to simulate a business network environment, so that learners can experience the fields of hardware, networking and security.

Students are also able to use and configure the latest generation Intel PCs, enterprise-level HP services, Layer 2 and 3 switches and graphics cards.

Computing and IT is a vastly growing sector and one which is incredibly appealing to work in, as advances in technology continue to drive forward innovation in a range of sectors. We wanted to ensure that our students were able to learn on industry-standard equipment which would help to prepare them for successful careers in the industry. Our brand-new IT lab is enabling us to do exactly that, giving our students and the pupils of local schools invaluable experience working with real-world computer networks and cyber security scenarios.

Over £65,000 of the investment was granted via the Department for Education’s T Level funding, as the College gears up to start its brand-new Digital Support Services T Level in September 2023.

The qualification is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to progress into skilled employment or higher-level technical training in a computing and IT environment.