New Advanced Technology Centre opens

We are proud to announce the launch of our new Advanced Technology Centre which opened this month and boasts state-of-the-art facilities including an anti-static electronics lab and an industrial robotics enclosure, whilst servicing technical and higher level subjects.

The new centre, which opened this month includes industry standard facilities which prepares students for a career in their chosen field, where they can progress to become computer scientists, quantity surveyors, architects and electricians. The Centre welcomed a variety of guests from local businesses, universities and schools to tour the exceptional learning environment.

The Centre is the final stage of a £12.4m major redevelopment project at the College to expand its facilities in-line with critical employer needs. Between 2015 and 2016, stage one and two introduced a refurbished rear entrance and new teaching facilities for Art and Design and Hair and Beauty, which are now widely used by students of all ages. 

Dr Jan Edrich, Chief Executive and Principal at Eastleigh College commented “The new centre will really help our students gain the knowledge and experience they need for their next steps and offers a fantastic environment in which to learn. We look forward to further developing strong relationships with local employers, to find and train tomorrow’s experts.”

All equipment in the Centre, particularly the industrial robotics enclosure and Raspberry Pi compute modules, are the same as those used in industry today, which ensures students are trained to a very high level. Local businesses who work with training providers such as Eastleigh College to recruit staff with practical skills, will also see huge benefits from the high-tech facilities that the new centre offers.

Ian Knight, from Knight Architectural Design was a guest speaker at the launch event, and currently has three apprentices studying with Eastleigh College. He explains “Working closely with the College’s Built Environment lecturer allows us to incorporate what they learn in class with our projects and the multiple disciplines they study gives them a wider view of our industry.  After seeing the new technology centre yesterday, it is great to see the College has invested in their students and we look forward to continuing to support Eastleigh College.”

The College works with many other local employers including GW Martin & Co, who are committed to bringing enthusiastic new people into engineering. Stuart Yalden, Managing Director at the company notes “We have been working with the College for many years and I am delighted to see the new facilities which takes their training to the next level. An Apprenticeship provides an excellent opportunity for young people to learn valuable technical skills and set themselves up for a successful career. We are excited to see the new opportunities on offer at Eastleigh College and look forward to continuing to work together.”

To find out more about the range of technical and professional courses available, including our advanced engineering courses call 023 8091 1000 or email goplaces@eastleigh.ac.uk.