The start of construction of a £4.7 million Engineering and Automotive Centre for Exeter College has been marked by a turf cutting ceremony.

The event was attended by a host of interested parties including, College Principal, Richard Atkins; Mansell South West Regional Director, Andy McAdam and Mansell Trainee Surveyor, Melissa Sparkes.

Melissa has just completed her BTEC National Diploma in Construction at Exeter College and now enjoys one day study release which she is using to gain her HNC in Construction. Melissa will be putting her academic knowledge into practice during this project.

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The new facility will provide industry-led teaching space, workshops and laboratories for both practical and academic learning for around 300 students from across Exeter and Devon.

The students will be studying a wide range of courses, ranging from part-time introductory courses for 14 – 16 year olds in partnership with local schools to 16 – 18 year old full-time students on levels 1 – 3 vocational courses. Apprentices will also train at the brand new Technology Centre whilst working in a range of local and regional businesses, university-level courses and dedicated employer training.

The centre will house technical workshops and classrooms including an MOT testing bay, garage workshop area for the repair, maintenance and servicing of motor vehicles and motorcycles. A CADCAM Engineering IT suite, diagnostic testing labs and a three-storey learning and IT centre will complete the centre.

The new learning centre will be completed in Summer 2012.

(CD)