The principal of a major college group says he wants to give students 'best-in-class facilities' as part of a £12 million investment.

South Hampshire College Group will set up the centres at its campuses in Southampton, Eastleigh and Fareham, which merged in 2022.

City College in Southampton will see the bulk of the investment, and Andrew Kaye, CEO of the South Hampshire College Group, says he wants to give students "best-in-class facilities".

The college’s motor vehicle centre and engineering workshops will be enhanced and ready for students to use in September 2024, while development to the marine skills centre will be complete by September 2025.

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Mr Kaye said: “Southampton College will benefit from a significant proportion of the £12m project.

“We want to build the best-in-class facilities that meet industry standards and give our students the best possible experience before going into the world of work.

“It’s a great opportunity with the college as we along with other companies in the city go through a digital transformation," he continued.

“I think prior to last year’s merger the college had been left behind for a few years, with little investment, so with the formation of the South Hampshire College Group, we’ve been able to move forward and improve our technical and professional education.”

Prior to last year’s merger, City College required nearly £8m in emergency Education and Skills Funding Agency cash, after a third “required improvement” Ofsted rating in a row.

The new funding will be used to create new facilities for the existing courses offered by the college.

Mr Kaye said of the investment: “It builds on the success of the launch of the Institute of Technology at CEMAST College in Lee-on-the-Solent earlier this year, so we have a proven track record.

“Our new facilities are tailored to enhance the learning experience across various career-focused courses, including T Levels, apprenticeships and Higher Technical Qualifications, I’m looking forward to seeing the completed work in September.”

The merger of the three colleges was complete in August last year, with Mr Kaye saying at the time: “It’s very clear to see what the opportunities can be with the right amount of investment and a more strategic approach to working together across the area."