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16/05/2007 - construction of new midlands college department complete
The second construction phase of an educational development in the Midlands has been completed. The construction of Burton College’s £2.3 million Automotive & Engineering Skills Academy development in Staffordshire follows the opening of a state of the art Motor Vehicle training facility last October.
The new, purpose built Engineering and Manufacturing facility is designed to offer increased opportunities for local people whilst also helping to support the economic regeneration of Burton and its surrounding area.
The Bond Street educational building, which has been developed specifically to meet the needs of full time students, apprentices and pre apprenticeship 14-16 year old students, provides a realistic and practical environment in which to train and work, mirroring the facilities and working practices of a commercial setting.
The 2200 square metre modern, purpose built Academy is a combination of single and two storey accommodation. The distinctively designed, contemporary building is divided into two areas, encompassing the training of Engineering and Manufacturing skills together with Motor Vehicle skills, and provides students with access to the latest high specification, industry standard equipment.
The Engineering Skills Academy consists of an open plan Welding and Fabrication workshop and Paint Refinishing workshop on the ground floor. The upper floor houses a Light Engineering Workshop together with an Electrical / Electronics Workshop containing the latest Digiac computerised panels and simulators.
The Engineering facilities are complemented by a Motor Vehicle Training area, which mirrors a commercial franchised dealership. The ground floor workshops house five ramps, an MOT testing station, a tyre fitting bay and a commercial vehicle inspection pit and are equipped with the latest computerised vehicle system testers and diagnostic equipment. The first floor comprises a computer room and private study areas.
The Automotive and Engineering Skills Academy has been constructed by Derby based GF Tomlinson and designed by Hall Grey Architects Ltd. The development will be officially opened by Richard Noble OBE, holder of the World Land Speed Record and the brains behind Diesel Max, at a special ceremony held for local businesses on 7 June.
Commenting on the development, College Principal and Chief Executive Keith Norris said, “The Engineering and Skills Academy is an essential part of the College’s strategy to support the development of skilled workers. We are working in partnership with a large number of local companies to ensure our faculties and the skills we develop in young people reflect the needs of industry. Consequently, the Academy is designed to provide students with the opportunity of working and learning in state of the art facilities, which closely mirror a commercial environment, ensuring that they develop the range of skills and abilities required to develop into first class craftspeople of the future. The College is continually investing in its resources to ensure that we remain one of the leading colleges, both nationally and regionally, as a provider of further and higher education and training. The new Academy demonstrates the College’s continual commitment to providing the opportunity for individuals and industry throughout East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire to access quality, leading edge training facilities.”
Chairman of G F Tomlinson Group Limited Mr B Sewards added, "It is marvellous to be involved in this project and to know that it will be of benefit to all the trainees and apprentices in the local area".
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