A multi million state of the art learning centre for hands on experience in subjects including engineering, plumbing and motor mechanics was officially opened in Wisbech.
The £7.2m Technology Centre was launched with a VIP plaque unveiling event by the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Hugh Duberly.
The centre was built thanks to a triple funding partnership of £5m by Cambridgeshire County Council, £1.5m by Fenland District Council and the rest by the College of West Anglia.
Speaking at the event College principal David Pomfret said: “The centre enables us to further develop our support to the critically important engineering and manufacturing businesses in Fenland and the surrounding areas, ensuring we continue to change lives through learning and meet the skills needs of the local economy.”
The college of West Anglia supports more than 1,200 apprentices every year with half of them studying in the technology sectors.
After unveiling the plaque Mr Duberly said: “I know how important this level of training is for the future of our young people and for the country. A skills centre provides relevant skills to drive the health of the economy.
“It is about teaching our young people the skills they need to run their own businesses or work for others.”
The centre is a modern and airy building which is a positive addition to the campus and represents a landmark investment in Wisbech, said Mr Pomfret.
A further £5.5m has been earmarked to be spent at the Isle campus of the College of West Anglia in the coming years to further revamp the college facilities.
The technology centre offers state of the art workshops, classrooms and conference centre covering areas including engineering, motor sport, wedding and fabrication, paint shop and computer aided design.
County councillor Steve Count, a governor at the college, said improving job prospects in the town was part of the Wisbech 20:20 vision project while Fenland District Council’s deputy leader councillor Chris Seaton said: “Helping to raise skills levels in Fenland has long been a priority for us as a council.”
“By providing much needed skills and training opportunities it will greatly improve the job prospects of our young people and help the local economy to grow.”
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