THE construction of a new Agri-Tech Innovation Centre and Land Based Engineering Workshop has been completed at Askham Bryan College. The project provides first class facilities for hands on learning while increasing student capacity.
Made possible with funding from the LEP, the Land Based Engineering Workshop comprises of a large open area with modern, specialist equipment. The Agri-Tech Innovation Centre offers high quality teaching and office facilities for students and staff.
Campus Principal, Dr Tim Whitaker said ‘’These first-class facilities will enrich the learning experience of our students and offer a wealth of opportunities to learn new skills’’
Students can now access the latest farm management techniques and technologies, to enhance their vocational skills and employability. The facilities will also enable local partners, such as
FERA Science, the
Biorenewables Development Centre and the University of York to demonstrate how their developments can be applied to a modern farming setting.
The £2.4 million project began at the start of the year and has been delivered on time and budget by a design team and contractors comprising of many local companies.
Simon Potter, construction director from York based William Birch said:
‘
’It has been really positive to see the college engaging some great York based businesses to deliver their growth plans, we look forward to seeing the new facilities in action.’’
The LEP helped secure £1.6 million of Local Growth funding for the project, which is another step towards its aims of creating a more highly skilled workforce in an industry which is so important in our area, while making the region a global leader in the bioeconomy.
- Over 10% of our local economy comes from the agri-tech and bioeconomy sector
- In Yorkshire it equates to around £8.7bn GVA, employing 105,000 people, mostly in the farming and food sectors
- Our area has double the national average of people working in research and development in this sector
The LEP’s Head of Skills Annabel Jelley said:
‘’I am delighted to see this state-of-the-art facility open at Askham Bryan College as it will contribute to ensuring that young people are equipped with the most up to date skills in this crucial sector for our economy.’’
The facilities are open to use now, while Askham Bryan plans to officially name and open the building at the start of 2017.
Find out more about our skills capital investments
here
Visit Askham Bryan’s website
here