Today we’re highlighting our industry-level Networking and Cyber Lab used by our Digital and Computing courses. We spoke to Jack, the HE Program Co-ordinator for Computing who took us through all of the ways that the facility helps students and gets them prepared for employment!
Our Networking and Cyber Lab is equipped with industry-level tools like Fluke network testers, important for diagnosing and troubleshooting physical network issues. We also have a wide array of IoT devices, including sensors, motors, Multimeters, Raspberry Pis, microcomputers, 3D printers, and even a CNC machine. This equipment allows our students and apprentices to have hands-on experience with the latest technologies in networking and cybersecurity.
My favourite aspect is seeing students bring concepts to life using the equipment. The lab provides an environment where they can experiment freely, encouraging creativity and innovation. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them collaborate, solve complex problems, and develop practical skills that will benefit them in their future careers. This is especially evident in the Internet of Things module done by all of our HE Computing programmes.
What sets the Networking and Cyber Lab apart from typical classrooms is the high-end PCs used. We have top-spec Dell workstations featuring Xeon processors, 32 GB of RAM, 10 Gbps network cards, and RTX 4000 GPUs. We have a dedicated 1 Gbps leased line that’s separate from the main college network, offering more freedom for network configuration and testing. The lab also has several network cabinets, allowing students to design, create, and manage networks using physical hardware just as they would in a professional setting.
The lab provides all our apprentices with a practical, hands-on learning environment that mirrors the workplace. Working with physical infrastructure and industry equipment, they gain experience that’s directly transferable to the current job market. Skills learned – from network design to managing virtualisation environments and machine learning servers – equip them to contribute effectively to their employers from day one.
Beyond networking and cybersecurity, the lab’s server infrastructure supports virtualisation, web hosting, and dedicated AI and machine learning projects. With access to tools like 3D printers and CNC machines, students can also explore prototyping and hardware development. One student recently designed and fabricated this IoT enabled thermostat and monitoring box.
This employer driven facility is a key part of the Computing and Digital Technologies Careers Excellence Hub; is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands.
To find out all about our Computing and Digital Technology courses at UCW, click here!
If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available in the Weston College Group here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College Group has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College Group is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.
