READING College has officially opened its applied science centre.
The opening was attended by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, and chief executive of Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, Alison Webster, who cut the ribbon to formally open the centre on Thursday, March 17.
The new facilities, which now form part of the pure sciences and digital building, were fitted with teaching labs and a multi-function room for flexible use, such as forensic studies.
They provide access to specialist equipment as well as dedicated space for applied science studies.
Attendees were shown around the new facilities, where they were given short demonstrations by students of Reading College.
Cllr Eden said that it was part of vital investment in the next generation of students.
She said: “This kind of facility will give young people aspirations as well as skills they need, and we can get them ready to go and get those vital jobs.”
After securing a successful bid from Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Reading College worked with Bayer and RSSL to build the new centre.
The Local Enterprise Partnership is a governmental initiative which seeks to cooperate with businesses and institutions to drive economic growth in Berkshire.
Alison Webster, chief executive at Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, said that the scheme aims to support businesses and students directly, but also by contributing to growth and development in Berkshire.
She said: “12% of jobs in Berkshire are in the science or technical sectors, and employers want science and bioscience students in their workforces.”
Zahra Akbari, a chemistry student at Reading College, said: “I come from a country where science teaching is almost entirely academic, but here you can do it in the real world, and you can do it yourself.
“Not only does it feel more satisfying, but it gives you confidence in your field.
“It helps you make sure you understand, and often it can be the thing which gives you inspiration to do something further.”
