The new Enterprise Centre at Weymouth College was officially opened on Friday 21st June by local MP Richard Drax and college Principal, Liz Myles. Business representatives, past students and staff attended to witness the ribbon cutting and be given a tour of the facilities.
Liz Myles formally announced the Centre as open and thanked delegates for attending, while giving them a brief overview about some of the fantastic opportunities the new Enterprise Centre will provide she said:
“The development of this new centre places employability at the heart of the student experience. It’s consistent with an enterprising college that is willing to think differently, embrace new models of learning, and to operate in ways that will provide students with the skills necessary to contribute to the economic growth and productivity of the region.”
She continued: “The Enterprise and Employability centre will help to prepare students for the entrepreneurial world they aspire to work within. Through their contact with businesses and employers they will develop good vocational skills alongside the ability to deal with risk, instability and the fluctuating work patterns that are fast becoming an inherent part of working life.”
MP Richard Drax added what a fantastic asset the Enterprise Centre will be for the College and how he looked forward to using the facilities himself.
Former students who have now set up their own businesses were invited to give short speeches. Hannah, Rhea and Lauren from resident theatre company, Rummage Theatre said:
“We’re really thankful to Weymouth College for putting us together and creating Rummage. It has been a great learning experience over the last year and we’re getting to grips with the business side of the company properly now.”
Rummage will be at Edinburgh Fringe festival in August with ‘Captive Minds.’
Ben, Henry and Phil of Park District, an award-winning creative digital film company spoke about their experience of college and said how excited they were to see what the next generation of students were going to create in the new work space.
Guests also had the opportunity to speak to level 3 business students who were exhibiting their business plans that they’ve been working on over the past year. Ideas included ‘Tie to Dye for’ and ‘Fresh Vintage’.
Business owner andstudent Jeyda Yilmaz was honoured to be part of the official opening. She said:“There was so much entrepreneurial talent at the event. I enjoyed handing out samples and networking for my business. I have loved studying at Weymouth College and feel proud that I have now completed my Level 3 Extended BTEC Diploma in Business. The College’s re-developed reception and Enterprise Centre will definitely be appreciated by new students in September.”
The event also launched the new Weymouth College brand, which can start to be seen across the campus at Cranford Avenue.
