A stilt walking robot helped to engineer a successful launch of Nelson and Colne College’s new £2million facilities.

The impressive Engineering department was opened in style, with the unique guest handing out information to visitors about careers, life at NCC and key statistics about the industry.

New facilities, which have been funded by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), include fully equipped workshops with the latest technology and software, open plan work spaces, new CNC machinery, an innovation laboratory, a 3D printing machine and a subsonic wind tunnel.

Year 11 students and their parents were given the chance to ‘have a go’ using the new facilities, were given tours of the department, and spoke to staff about courses available to them.

Pendle VaCJP_5600le College student Safi Ur Rehman, 15, said: “I think the facilities are very good. I have never seen anything like this at a College before, and I am definitely going to be doing Engineering here next year.”

Safi’s mum Safeedan Safdar, from Nelson, added: “I am very impressed – the tutors have given Safi information on career pathways and explained them to him. I feel confident he will achieve what he wants by coming to Nelson and Colne College.”

Head of Curriculum for Engineering Brent Marshall added: “We were delighted to showcase our amazing new facilities to budding engineers!

“Engineering is the backbone of British industry and is a rapidly growing sector, with Engineering
enterprises employing 5.4 million people in the UK. With 2.56 million job openings in engineering companies predicted by 2022, this investment could not have come at a better time and we are looking forward to helping more students begin their journey to an exciting and fulfilling career.

“Don’t worry if you missed our launch. There is still plenty of time to come and visit NCC – ring 01282 440272 to bo
ok a tour.”

The Engineering department launch coincided with NCC’s second open event. The evening saw all subject areas hosting activities, including an omelette challenge in Catering, body art in the college’s Distinction salons, and engaging talks in A Levels. The next open event will take place between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on January 27th.

For anybody wanting more information about studying at NCC visit www.nelson.ac.uk or ring 01282 440272.