Boston College has secured funding for an Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology Centre.
Boston College is celebrating after being awarded funding from the Greater Lincolnshire Skills Capital Investment Programme and Midlands Engine for the creation of an
Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology (EMAT) Centre.
The engineering centre will contribute to the local economy with both students and local employers reaping the benefits.
The new specialist building will provide outstanding engineering facilities for students and an industry-driven training facility that will stimulate growth and productivity
across the sector.
It will act as a hub for local engineering, manufacturing and agri-tech businesses to create a partnership with the College to help train the engineers of the future in high-demand areas, upskill existing staff and provide resources for local businesses to use.
Working with local schools and employers, staff at the EMAT centre are looking forward to producing future generations of engineers.
The Minister for Local Growth, Jake Berry MP, said: “We are committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the Midlands Engine and building a country that works
for everyone.
"As part of a wider £7.3 million investment from the Local Growth Fund in skills in the Greater Lincolnshire area, the allocation of £2.8 million will help fund the development of a modern college based in Boston. It will support learners to develop much needed technical skills in engineering, manufacturing and agri-tech sectors across the Greater Lincolnshire area.”
Ursula Lidbetter MBE, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, commented: “We are pleased that the Skills Capital Investment Fund Programme is proving such a success. The EMAT
Centre will create an industry-driven training facility that will stimulate growth and productivity across our key sectors.
"It will act as a catalyst to grow our local talent pool and address identified barriers to growth. At the same time it will stimulate and support innovation for businesses through a technology hub and ultimately improve the skills of current and future workforces across Levels 1 to 5.”
Boston College Principal Jo Maher said: “We are thrilled to work with the LEP to invest in our Boston campus and inspire the next generation of engineering talent.
"We have designed EMAT to become the centre of innovation in the area, producing highly skilled professionals who will benefit the local area and the wider economy.
"Our curriculum will be employer-driven ensuring we provide the necessary skills for Industry 4.0 to meet business needs as they continue to grow.”
Craig Pygall, Construction Director at Woodhead Group, said: “The new Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology Centre will be a fantastic addition to Boston College and we are delighted to have been selected to deliver the scheme.
"The cutting-edge design and clever use of space will provide a fitting home for the engineers and innovators of the future.”
Woodhead Group started construction on the building, designed by CPMG Architects, last month and the first students are expected to be welcomed in October 2019.