The City of Liverpool College has opened the school dedicated to teaching vital computer-based skills in Myrtle Street and will teach coding, software development and a range of other digital skills

Pepper the robot is now resident at what is claimed to be the UK’s first dedicated Digital Academy here in Liverpool.

The “humanoid” device works is based at the City of Liverpool College’s new £2.5m school dedicated to teaching vital computer-based skills.

The college is the first in the North West and the second in the UK to bring Pepper into the classroom to assist students in learning how to use new technology.

Students will be able to programme Pepper to complete different tasks and learn important coding skills which are vital for working with computing and digital technology.

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The Myrtle Street facility will focus on teaching young people coding, software development and a range of other digital skills, including online marketing and games design.

The college has spent £1m equipping the classrooms with SMART writing boards, gaming consoles, scanners, 3D printers and iPad and laptops.

Japan’s SoftBank Robotics launched Pepper in 2014 and says it is “much more than a robot… he is a genuine humanoid companion created to communicate with you in the most natural and intuitive way, through his body movements and his voice”.

Pepper is life-sized and equipped with HD cameras and microphones and is able to perceive human emotions and adapt to change to moods.

Elaine Bowker, principal of The City of Liverpool College, said: “This investment means we will be better equipped than ever to deliver a pipeline of young people with the kind of skills which are essential for businesses in the 21st century.

“It is a signal of our focus on providing skills and qualifications which meet the needs of businesses and which directly contribute to the City region’s economic growth ambitions.”

Part of the overall funding for the project is due to be received from the Liverpool City Region Skills Capital Investment Fund, which is part of the Government’s Local Growth Fund.

Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram added: “The digital economy is a huge priority and opportunity for the Liverpool city region. 

“Developing our creative talent through providers like the college and aligning skills to the needs of our businesses is one of my key priorities and I look forward to welcoming more students into this state-of-the-art facility.”