Celebrating Construction of the College’s new EMAT Centre
Boston College is celebrating after being awarded funding from the Greater Lincolnshire Skills Capital Investment Programme (GLLEP) and Midlands Engine for the creation of an Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology (EMAT) Centre. With the College situated in the heart of agricultural Lincolnshire, plans have been in development for the last few years, and it is expected that the new engineering centre will contribute to the local economy, with both students and local employers reaping the benefits.
The new specialist building will provide outstanding engineering facilities for students and an industry-driven training facility that will stimulate growth and productivity across the sector. The centre will act as a hub for local engineering, manufacturing and agri-tech businesses to create a partnership with the College to help train the engineers of the future in high-demand areas, upskill existing staff and provide resources for local businesses to use. Working with local schools and employers, staff at the EMAT centre are looking forward to producing future generations of engineers.
Minister for Local Growth, Jake Berry, said, “We are committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the Midlands Engine and building a country that works for everyone. As part of a wider £7.3 million investment from the Local Growth Fund in skills in the Greater Lincolnshire area, the allocation of £2.8 million will help fund the development of a modern college based in Boston. It will support learners to develop much needed technical skills in engineering, manufacturing and agri-tech sectors across the Greater Lincolnshire area.”
Ursula Lidbetter, MBE, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP adds, “We are pleased that the Skills Capital Investment Fund Programme is proving such a success. The EMAT Centre will create an industry-driven training facility that will stimulate growth and productivity across our key sectors. It will act as a catalyst to grow our local talent pool and address identified barriers to growth. At the same time it will stimulate and support innovation for businesses through a technology hub and ultimately improve the skills of current and future workforces across Levels 1 to 5.”
Principal Jo Maher says, “We are thrilled to work with the GLLEP to invest in our Boston campus and inspire the next generation of engineering talent. We have designed EMAT to become the centre of innovation in the area, producing highly skilled professionals who will benefit the local area and the wider economy. Our curriculum will be employer driven ensuring we provide the necessary skills for ‘Industry 4.0’ to meet business needs as they continue to grow.”
Craig Pygall, Construction Director at Woodhead Group said, “The new Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology Centre will be a fantastic addition to Boston College and we are delighted to have been selected to deliver the scheme. The cutting edge design and clever use of space will provide a fitting home for the engineers and innovators of the future.”
Woodheads Group started construction on the building, designed by CPMG Architects, last month with the first students expected to be welcomed in October 2019. For more information on EMAT and the courses available at the Centre, please visit our EMAT page, or alternatively visit the College’s Open Event on Saturday 22nd June to see the progress of the building for yourself.