Major upgrade of Bournemouth & Poole College funded through the Dorset Growth Deal

The first phase of the works has been completed and upgrades include cladding of external wall, replacement of windows, roof repairs, 16 new welding bays in the welding bay facility, an upgrade of the motor vehicle practical teaching area including tyre changing facilities and an upgrade of the college’s motorcycle maintenance practical area.

The upgrade will also help reduce the college’s carbon footprint and increase its energy efficiency.

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 jobs and 20 construction jobs as well as the training of 354 engineering apprentices and 227 full time students annually.

The final phase of work 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.