Activate Learning officially launched their new Construction and Engineering Workshop at Reading College and University Centre on Tuesday 28 November.
The facilities were opened by Gary Headland DL, Chief Executive of Activate Learning, and HM Lord-Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Andrew Try, DL.
The state-of-the-art facilities will be used by students studying Constuction and Engineering pathways at the King’s Road campus
State-of-the-art facilities
The new facilities include metal 3D printers, manufacturing and metrology equipment, which will allow Activate Learning to deliver the new Engineering T Level at Reading College and University Centre, and showcase Activate Learning’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology in education.
Activate Learning was awarded funding by the Department for Education through the Specialist Equipment Allocation, which is part of the T Level capital funding. The Specialist Equipment Allocation is a payment available to all T Level providers when they begin delivery of a T Level route for the first time.
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.
Speeches were given Gary Headland DL, Chief Executive at Activate Learning and HM Lord-Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Andrew Try, DL.
New capabilities, new opportunities
Ben Jokiel, Group Director of the Construction and Engineering Faculty, Activate Learning, said: “We are very proud to officially open this new workshop and welcome a broad range of stakeholders to show them what our new capabilities look like.
“We are investing significantly in redeveloping our engineering facilities and this is the start of that process.
“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.”
HM Lord-Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Andrew Try, DL, 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.”
Discover our Engineering programmes available to study at Reading College and University Centre or contact Activate Learning on 0800 612 6008.
