IT students had the opportunity to explore the Barclays Technology Centre.

The centre is located at Radbroke Hall near Knutsford, around 25-30 miles from Ashton Sixth Form College.

Students had a unique opportunity to find out more about the technology and systems that power the global investment bank who's history dates back to the late 1600's/early 1700's. Barclays have been a constant figure in their industry and are responsible for some of the biggest technological advances to banking the UK has ever seen. Their technological advances have transformed the way society operates playing a key role in the first ATM/cash machine and the introduction of the first debit card.

At college, IT students learn about computer systems, communication technologies and system maintenance on their vocational course. They were able to see the complex aspects of their course in action firsthand at a company that employs 85,000 people in 40 countries (Barclays, 2019).

Visits such as this widens their knowledge about their subject, providing context for their classroom-based learn. It allows students to see the huge range of jobs available to them after leaving college, while also understanding how big companies work from a technology point of view. It encourages students to think more clearly and aim high.

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Find out more about studying IT at Ashton here.