Appliance of science at new tech centre

OPEN . . . Jim Fitzpatrick, Brian Holliday, Mayor of Tameside Councillor Philip Fitzpatrick, Andrew Beel, Jackie Moores and Tameside Council leader Kieran Quinn

BUDDING engineers and computer coders of the future will be able to train up and learn new skills at a new centre in Ashton.

The Advanced Technologies Centre, at Tameside College, accommodates a range of specialisms including electronics, engineering, science, hydraulics, computer coding, medical and forensic laboratories.

Guests
The ATC, which opened in September, 2016, took 18 months to build and was officially launched on Friday at an event where notable guests and dignitaries were invited for the special ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The centre, at the Beauford Road site, completes the first phase of the Vision Tameside redevelopment project, which will bring greater economic prosperity and transform learning and skills in Tameside.

The new centre is key to the college's plan to develop apprenticeships and higher education in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

With two thirds of advanced manufacturing employers concentrated in south and east Manchester, the new centre will support increased demand for higher level skills in the engineering sector and the additional 170,000 people needed to contribute an extra £27 billion to the UK economy every year from 2022.

Jackie Moores, principal at Tameside College, said: "Today celebrates the launch of the ATC. The building is a vital facility for young people and adults.

"We need to sync closely with what employers need, to make sure we're upskilling the 600 students in that building."

The college has partnered with a college in Germany so that students know they have opportunities internationally as well as nationally.

Pupils from nearby schools were invited for the day to take part in virtual welding, coding and seeing a green power electric car demonstration.