Southampton College is going to be transformed as part of a £12million project.

The South Hampshire College Group - which includes Southampton College, Eastleigh College, and Fareham College - is set to unveil new 'centres of excellence'.

The group says these 'state-of-the-art facilities are set to offer cutting-edge resources and real-world curriculum which will significantly enhance learning and career opportunities for students and apprentices'.

Southampton College will host the digital, early years, engineering, and motor vehicle centres from September 2024, while Eastleigh College will host business and finance, health and social care, bricklaying and electrical installation.

Fareham College has already welcomed significant investment, with the opening of the multi-million-pound South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT) earlier this year at CEMAST, Lee-on-the-Solent, which specialises in robotics, electronics, advanced engineering and manufacturing, maritime, and digital.

READ MORE: Oasis Academy Lord's Hill strikes called off after discussions

Andrew Kaye, CEO of South Hampshire College Group, said: “Our centres of excellence will provide an abundance of opportunity for our students.

“By investing in these new teaching and learning spaces, our students will benefit from technical and professional courses taught in industry-standard facilities, gaining both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, better preparing them for the future.”

He added: “Our impressive new facilities are tailored to enhance the learning experience across various career-focused courses, including T Levels, apprenticeships and Higher Technical Qualifications.

“Healthcare students will get hands on experience, with access to an elderly care mock flat, brand-new purpose-built classrooms and a healthcare ward.

“Our Early Years and Childcare students will benefit from a positive and colourful environment which boasts practical teaching and breakout spaces, a kitchenette area, a sensory room and nappy change facilities.”

Former Gadget Show host, Jason Bradbury, helped launch the Institute of Technology at CEMAST in February.

Andrew said: “For those doing Business, we offer collaborative classrooms, interview rooms, a boardroom, office spaces, breakout areas, and study booths while our Digital and IoT facilities are equipped with IT classrooms featuring dual screens, tech labs, a virtual-reality (VR) room, project rooms and breakout spaces.”

He added: “With this significant investment, we are committed to enhancing the quality of education and training.

“We cannot wait to showcase what we have to offer.”