New engineering centre opens at Shropshire college
The official opening of an Engineering Diploma centre took place at the Walford Campus of Walford and North Shropshire College today.
The new 'Collins Engineering Centre' was given its name in recognition of the outstanding contribution of Professor Paulene Collins OBE as Chair of the Board of Governors.
The centre features the latest computer aided technology, laser cutting systems, robotics and technology used in the renewable energy industry.
Rear Admiral Roger Lane-Nott CB FCMI FIAgrE, Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural Engineers Association performed the official opening of the £500,000 centre and delivered a keynote presentation on the career opportunities for young people with an interest in engineering.
Dr Geoffrey Davies OBE DL, one of Shropshire’s most successful business leaders, who runs an international group of engineering companies with over £800m annual turnover also attended the official opening.
Andrew Tyley, College Principal & Chief Executive is delighted with the new facility: “Engineering makes a really important contribution to the economy and this is reflected in tremendous interest from young people in the new Engineering Diploma. We now have a first class engineering facility, which will stimulate further interest and give us the capacity to meet additional demand for courses in this area. We have received tremendous support from local employers and from our school partners in the North West and North East Forums. The Collins Engineering Centre is a shining example of schools, employers, the College and the local authority working in partnership to expand the range of learning opportunities available to 14-19 year olds living in rural Shropshire.”
The event also provided potential students with an opportunity to tour the new centre and find out more about studying engineering at the College.
