New manufacturing and engineering facilities at Leicester College

Leicester College will formally open its advanced manufacturing and engineering facilities at its Abbey Park campus following a multimillion-pound investment.

The project included the installation of engineering laboratories and workshops to develop skills in robotics, programmable logic controllers, electronic circuits, electrical systems, mechanical systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems together with a range of mills, lathes, grinders, rigs, testing equipment and simulators.

It was supported by capital funding via the T Level capital fund.

Verity Hancock, principal of Leicester College, said: “I’m so excited about this huge refurbishment. Our hardworking engineering students and staff deserve the superb facilities and equipment that have been developed.

“The college is grateful to the Department for Education for their investment and to everyone – designers, architects and builders – who have made this happen.”

Ibrar Raja, director of engineering, added: “With the introduction of T Levels and the transition to HTQs, the higher education offering for engineering students is undergoing a shift towards addressing future recruitment issues, and local and national skills gaps.

“The funding received has enabled us to invest in our infrastructure for students, ensuring that we can provide them with real pathways to progression within their chosen engineering sector and safeguarding the skillsets for future generations.”

The new facilities were designed by Moss Architecture. Interiors Ltd and constructed by regional contractor Stepnell.

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “Our construction team worked closely with the college to understand the needs of aspiring engineers and help create an ideal facility to nurture their talent.

“As the third project we have undertaken for Leicester College with Moss Architecture, we continue to develop lasting relations with education and wider public sector clients, which is a key focus for us as a complete construction partner.

“It is fantastic to see the engineering and technology centre welcome students again to continue working in an enhanced learning environment.”

Source: https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/new-manufacturing-and-engineering-facilities-at-leicester-college