14 October 2016: Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership officially opened Bournemouth & Poole College’s newly refurbished Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing facilities which received a major upgrade thanks to a £565,150 investment secured by Dorset LEP through the Dorset Growth Deal*1.
The works, which significantly enhance the quality of the facilities and learning environment as well as reduce the building’s carbon footprint and increase its energy efficiency, included:
- cladding of external walls, replacements of windows (UPVC double glazed energy efficient units), roof repairs and new lighting
- classroom renovations including upgrades to the:
- welding bay facility with the addition of 16 new welding bays
- motor vehicle practical teaching area including tyre changing facilities
- motorcycle maintenance practical area
- investment in the lathe and milling areas, AutoCAD classrooms and 3D printing facilities.
Gordon Page, chairman of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership said, “We are delighted to launch these excellent facilities, funding for which has been secured by Dorset LEP through the Dorset Growth Deal. It is paramount that our educational establishments are able to respond to the increasing demand from local employers for highly skilled engineering and advanced manufacturing personnel. Bournemouth and Poole College’s newly refurbished Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing block will help to improve Dorset’s education and training, creating a more highly skilled and educated workforce, which in turn will boost productivity and employment in the region.”
Diane Grannell, Principal of Bournemouth & Poole College said, “Over the last couple of years, we have spent around £1.3m on buildings and equipment for Engineering. We are particularly grateful to Dorset LEP for providing the capital funding to cover almost half of that amount. This has enabled the external refurbishment of this entire building and the internal refurbishment of the main Engineering workshop.
“I feel proud of this project which is another public demonstration of our college’s commitment to supporting not only the Engineering sector, but the whole STEM agenda in Dorset.”
Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership anticipates the funding at Bournemouth & Poole College’s advanced manufacturing and engineering facilities will lead to:
- the creation of 30 direct jobs, 120 indirect and 20 construction jobs.
- training 354 engineering apprentices and 227 full time students annually.
Local council and board members, educational providers and leading businesses were invited to attend the official opening and to look around the facilities. They were given an interactive tour which included a Pit Stop Challenge, Model Robotics Demonstration, Display of Marine Navigation and a Computer Numerical Control Presentation.
Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, a partnership between Dorset’s local authorities and businesses, determines local economic priorities for the region. Its key aim is to drive economic growth and job creation across Dorset.
*1 Dorset LEP has secured £79 million from the Government’s ‘Local Growth Deals’. £565,150 has been allocated to investment in Bournemouth & Poole College’s Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing facilities.
The project is designed to support Dorset LEP’s strategic priorities of enhancing the skills of the current and future workforce of Dorset and improving workforce skills, increasing apprenticeships and intern places, and helping more people back into work.
Press release supplied by Chalk PR
