ANDOVER College is celebrating the opening of its new digital facilities for students to use after a multi-million-pound investment from the Department of Education (DfE) in readiness for the delivery of new T-Level qualifications.
To celebrate, the college hosted an event for employers and industry professionals to showcase the new facilities, technology and digital skills now in place.
The investment provided funds for multimedia facilities, a broadcasting suite, and a new cyber security laboratory which are now functioning and ready for student use.
Principal Julie Milburn and vice principal Ben Stokes welcomed guests, spoke of their excitement about T-Level qualifications at Andover and how the new facilities will help support students to achieve their career aspirations before introducing Keynote speaker, Jonathan Loretto.
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Guests, including representatives from Stannah, Andover Bid, Millstream Productions, Way Point Digital and Test Valley Borough Council, were then invited to explore the space and take part in interactive activities.
Ms Milburn said: “The introduction of T-Level qualifications is an exciting time; with new qualifications which meet the needs of local employers, and which have been designed to provide parity of regard between vocational and academic qualifications. The college is proud of the new facilities and is looking forward to the completion of further planned works.”
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Mr Stokes added: “This space not only supports a fantastic range of new and exciting T-Level courses available to our students but also invites them into a space reflective of the modern workspace they aspire to enter once they leave Andover College. In our dedication to each student's future development, we look forward to watching our learners excel in this innovative field.”
The Department for Education (DfE) confirmed T-Level Capital Fund applications for digital, construction, and health and science at Andover College and agriculture, environmental, and animal care at Sparsholt College amounting to a total of £2.2m investment in August 2022.
At Andover College, the investment will allow for the expansion of the Technology and Future Skills Centre to provide for the delivery of the onsite construction T-Level, with extended facilities for bricklaying and carpentry. However, the next stage of development will see the completion of the college’s new nursing facilities including mock wards, consultation facilities and mock ups of domestic care settings which is due to open in April 2024.
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