Earlier in December, Councillors forming the Borough Council’s Cabinet accepted an invitation from Boston College to tour the new Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology facility recently unveiled and opened to the public.
Councillor’s met the College’s Head of Curriculum, Richard Chambers and Programme Area Manager for Motor Vehicle and Engineering, Ben Webb, both of who explained the current positioning of the college, featuring 1600+ learners, 400+ staff, with 3 campuses in Boston (including Peter Paine and Sam Newsom), and the Spalding University Campus.
In recent results, the college was rated 5th best in the country, and has recently started offering degree courses within some departments.
The college is currently the 2nd largest employer in the town, with a demographic reaching around the whole of the East Coast.
Throughout their tour, Richard and Ben explained that the college currently partners with HAAS providing machinery and guidance, currently supporting Daniel Ricciardo, the Formula One driver for the Renault F1 Team, along with the introduction of 3D printing facilities, and they hope for a robotics section introduced soon.
Leader of Boston Borough Council, Aaron Spencer said: “I’m really impressed to see the ongoing investment which Boston College are providing, ensuring that their students retain the excellent calibre of education that the facility is renowned for. With the new EMAT centre, this has included the introduction and replacement/modernisation of equipment.
The College is a huge and vital asset to the town, who continue to provide educational support for all ages, through a variety of levels and courses, including BTEC’s, HNC’s, HE’s, FE’s Apprenticeships and many more.”
Councillor Martin Griggs said: “Having previously visited Boston College, I’m astounded to see the volume of change and improvements that have gone around the site, especially with the introduction of the new EMAT facility.
I think it’s fantastic to see a local education facility linking in with Derby University to provide additional facilities, despite the majority of learners being aged between 16 and 18.
The EMAT facility currently provides HNC level courses, and I’m keen to see them have the capabilities and support to progress that level of education to degree courses.”
