A new £8 million technical education centres has been officially opened at Reaseheath College in Nantwich.
The Centre for Advanced Engineering and Agri-Technology will deliver skills in precision engineering, precision farming, service engineering and diagnostic testing.
The initiative, part of a total £80 million investment across campus, was supported by Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) which has contributed £8.9m from the Government’s Local Growth Fund.
The facility enables Reaseheath lecturers to deliver technical training on latest crop production systems and science subjects such as data mapping to agricultural engineering students.
Features include workshops and a technology suite equipped for the teaching of computer controlled automation and high end precision engineering.
Equipment includes tractor simulators, GPS and other advanced agricultural engineering systems.
The college also plans to cater for Advanced Apprenticeships in agricultural and construction plant engineering through the teaching of advanced farming techniques and management.
Head of Agricultural Engineering Tim Gibbs said: “This ground-breaking centre combines all aspects of agricultural innovation, mechanisation and advanced engineering under one roof.
“It allows us to teach and develop efficient modern farming techniques including precision land management and precision farming.
“his will enable us to meet increased demand for specialist training from our industry partners, and to equip our students with the skills they will need for their future careers.”
Reaseheath Principal Marcus Clinton added: “The funding from our LEP partners emphasises that this government understands the need for specialist technical skills training to meet employer needs and drive productivity.
“This combined approach enables us to provide a pipeline of talent to service important and increasingly STEM driven sectors which require students with the skills and mindset for tomorrow.”
Jake Berry, Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, added: “This is a world-class facility at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse which will ensure young people have the skills they need to secure well-paid jobs in the growing agri-tech sector.”
The centre was officially opened by CEO of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE), Ed Hansom.
Also present at the launch were Agricultural Engineers Association council members and technical trainers from leading manufacturers including CaseIH, New Holland, JCB, KUHN, Manitou, Kverneland, Vicon, Househam, KRONE, Vaderstad and Teagle.
(Pic above, Ed Hansom officially opens Reaseheath’s Centre for Advanced Engineering and Agri-Technology, watched by Reaseheath Principal and CEO Marcus Clinton and Chair of Governors David Pearson)
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