Phase 1 upgrade to engineering and advanced manufacturing facilities’ complete
21 June 2016: Bournemouth & Poole College’s Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing facilities are receiving a major upgrade thanks to a £565,150 investment secured by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership through the Dorset Growth Deal*1.
The first phase of the refurbishment has recently been completed. The works will further enhance the quality of the facilities, reduce its carbon footprint and increase its energy efficiency. The upgrades included:
- cladding of external walls
- replacements of windows (UPVC double glazed energy efficient units)
- roof repairs
- upgrading the college’s welding bay facility with the addition of 16 new welding bays
- upgrading the college’s motor vehicle practical teaching area including tyre changing facilities
- upgrading the college’s motorcycle maintenance practical area
Gordon Page, chairman of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership said, “We are delighted to have secured funding through the Dorset growth deal to invest in Bournemouth & Poole College’s facilities which will help address the increased demand from local employers for highly skilled engineering and advanced manufacturing personnel. By helping to improve Dorset’s education and training, we will create 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, “These new facilities will significantly improve our students’ learning. The upgrade means that we can offer a more modern working environment, allowing students to be fully prepared when moving into work. We are very thankful to Dorset LEP for supporting this investment.”
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.
The final phase of work is currently underway and includes upgrading classrooms and lighting as well as investment in the lathe and milling areas, AutoCAD classrooms and 3D printing facilities.
All phases of the project are scheduled to be completed for the start of the new academic year, in September 2016.
