More recognition for Teesside’s Digital Enablement team

Teesside University has once again been named a Centre of Excellence for its work to digitally upskill students and staff.

Prodigy Learning awards Centre of Excellence status to a small number of academic institutions and private training providers each year. Following previous success in 2020-21, the team has brought another accolade back to Teesside.

The University was named as a Centre of Excellence 2022-2023 in recognition of its exceptional performance in delivering internationally recognised IT certifications from industry leaders such as Adobe and Microsoft.

Colleagues from the Digital Enablement team were presented with the award at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden in the capital at a ceremony on 16 November.

The team provides a certifications scheme which offers Adobe and Microsoft training in partnership with Prodigy Learning to enhance digital skills and improve employability.

The training forms part of Teesside University’s award-winning Future Facing Learning initiative which seeks to digitally empower students and staff through embracing cutting-edge digital technology.

Teesside was also the first European higher education institution to become an Adobe Creative Campus in recognition of its commitment to promoting digital literacy across all courses and areas of study.

Mike Gettings, Director of IT and Digital Services at the University, said: ‘We are extremely proud to achieve this recognition for the University as a Centre of Excellence once again.

‘The award proves our commitment to digitally empowering all of our students and staff by enabling them to embrace cutting-edge digital technology through a wide range of courses and online training to develop and enhance their creative and technical skills.’

The latest accolade comes after three Teesside University students were selected to take part in the prestigious Adobe ACP UK and Ireland Championship back in June 2023.

Laura Rhodes, Emma Alderson and Hassnain Karim, all studying in the University’s School of Arts & Creative Industries, participated in the national heat of the championships where they showed off their creative design skills.

Emma, who is studying BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration, said: ‘Achieving the certification will really help me in terms of employability because I have evidence that I can use the tools in a professional setting.

‘To anyone considering applying for certification, I would say go for it – and apply for as many as you can, as soon as you can. There more you do, the more you learn. Even when I got to the practice exam stage, I was still learning new things.’

Hassnain, who graduated with BA (Hons) Product Design, has a learning disability and epilepsy, meaning that he can sometimes struggle with his short-term memory. For Hassnain, the certification will provide visual proof to employers that he has this skillset.

He said: ‘Taking part in the competition was outside of my usual comfort zone, but I was pleased to take part as it gave me more confidence. Having the certification shows my ability to prospective employers.

‘My advice to anyone would be to do it as soon as you can. Opportunities don't wait, they come and go. Grab them while you can, for they may not knock twice.

‘Take full advantage of this offer while you are a student to get the competitive edge when it comes to applying for jobs.’

Teesside University colleagues and students can learn more about gaining free Adobe and Microsoft certifications here: https://bit.ly/tu-cert.

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