A NEW construction and engineering workshop has been opened at Reading College and University Centre.
The site will be used by students studying construction and engineering courses at the Kings Road campus. It includes metal 3D printers, manufacturing and metrology equipment, which will allow Activate Learning to deliver the new Engineering T Level.
Funding was allocated by teh Department for Education through the Specialist Equipment Allocation, which is part of the T Level capital funding.
The facilities were opened by Gary Headland, chief executive of Activate Learning, and Andrew Try, Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire.
Representatives from companies including European Aviation Design Services, Kohler, SSE, Sodexo, and Trescal attended the event.
Canapés and drinks were served by Hospitality Level 2 students.
Ben Jokiel, group director of the construction and engineering faculty, Activate Learning, said: “The new addition of manufacturing and metrology equipment moves us much closer to industry and gives our full-time students and apprentices a much more relevant experience. This has also allowed us to deliver the new T Level in Engineering in a far more engaging way.
“Engineering has changed significantly; like many industries, it is no longer about oily rags and dirty workshops. This bright, clean and new space, with some fantastic high-tech equipment, demonstrates this.”
Mr Try said: “Today was a fantastic opportunity to see this extraordinary and new facility focused on Engineering and STEM subjects, and T Levels in particular.
“It was also fantastic to welcome members of the local industry here tonight, as they understand how the college can be used to train up the people that they are going to need to work in their companies.
“Seeing the level of equipment and technology, in particular the metal 3D printer, was amazing.”
