12 January 2010
The keys to Farnborough College of Technology’s new state-of-the-art Aerospace and Automotive Academy were officially handed over from the developers Tuesday 12th January.
South East Regional Minister Jonathan Shaw accepted the keys on behalf of the College.
The College has a long association with the aerospace industry and the facilities represent modern industrial practice in equipment.
Work started on the new building in March 2009. It replaces the now dated 1960's block, that mainly housed the automotive element. To offer students the best training facilities it was necessary to expand and modernise the space for these popular areas of the curriculum. The students now have a state of the art environment to develop their professional skills.
The new academy will benefit all students across the wide spectrum of programmes, including the 14 to 16 schools programmes, further education, degree students and local businesses.
Earlier in the day the College hosted a regular meeting of the South East Economic Delivery Council, the body which was set up to coordinate the region’s response to the recession.
SEEDC members, who come from the business, public, voluntary and community sectors, discussed with representatives of the banking industry how they could work together to support the economy in the South East and ensure it emerges strongly from the recession.
MoD Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Quentin Davies also joined the meeting to join a discussion with representatives of the defence industry, a key element of the South East economy.
Jonathan Shaw said: “Today I and Quentin Davies met representatives from a range of South East defence companies; we all agreed how vital the aerospace and defence industries are, not just to the region, but to the whole UK economy.
“This continued success does not just rest on what business leaders and politicians do; it is completely dependant on the people who work and will work in the sector, and the skills and expertise they bring.
“The superb new facilities at Farnborough College of Technology will equip students with the skills they and the South East need to emerge from these challenging times to a stronger and more prosperous future.”
After the key handover ceremony Jonathan Shaw visited FlightSafety International at Farnborough Airport.
The company, which has close links to the College through apprenticeship work placements, is the world’s leading aviation training company.