Decision details

The Creative Computing Club (CCC) deliver training on computer programming, video game design, hardware programming, web development, electronics, robotics and more. Founded in 2012 the CCC has helped hundreds of young people take their first steps into the world of technology.

The newly opened Creative Computing Centre is a dedicated two-story computing centre designed to provide young people in Ipswich with access to cutting edge technology and activities incomparable to those provided in mainstream education.

The Council has supported CCC in recent years (e.g. through Area Committee funding) but following discussions with its founder Matthew C. Applegate (founder) it is proposed to support a one year programme from the core economic development budget. This programme will cost £9,907 and deliver training / lessons within at least 6 schools within the Borough that the CCC has not worked with before.

This proposal has been discussed with – and is supported by – the economic development portfolio holder (Cllr David Ellesmere). It will be funded from within existing budgets.

Allocate £9,907 to a programme to be delivered by the Creative Computing Club (CCC) and for the Chief Executive to agree terms and conditions and contract with the CCC for the delivery of the programme.

Reason for Recommendation

This is a significant growth sector for Ipswich, digital businesses in and around Ipswich are worth almost £200m to the local economy, sustaining almost 10,000 jobs. This project will help stimulate / train the future workforce in this sector.