Future technology, including artificial intelligence and virtual reality, will be introduced to Lancashire secondary school students.

According to the county council, Lancashire MEGA Hubs is a new initiative designed to improve young people's digital skills and job prospects.

With extracurricular activities and an after-school Cyber and Esports Academy, students in all of the county's secondary schools will have the opportunity to work with coding, cybersecurity, and machine learning.

The council's board leader, Phillippa Williamson, is "incredibly excited" about the project since it "aligns perfectly" with the authority's objectives to satisfy companies' increasing demand for tech, digital, and cyber capabilities.

With the help of £550,000 from the Lancashire Economic Growth & Development Investment Fund (LEGDIF), the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program will also incorporate digital skills into traditional disciplines.

All secondary schools in Lancashire will have access to it through the conclusion of the 2026 school year.

Bridge the digital skills gap.

"Opportunities to our young people" would be provided by the Lancashire MEGA Hubs initiative, according to Williamson.

She stated that the council's goal, in collaboration with the technology company IN4 Group, was to develop a workforce that is both inclusive and skilled.

We are certain that we can motivate the upcoming generation of digital workers and guarantee that Lancashire stays at the forefront of technology advancement, she continued.

We're committed to enabling young people to realize their potential, irrespective of their financial status or poor upbringing, stated Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group.

In addition to helping close the digital skills gap and building a diverse and dynamic workforce for the future, the MEGA Hubs will facilitate tech-first experiences and opportunities embracing all emerging technologies.