Masterplan
2013 – STEM(MM)
We are investing another £6 million into our world-class campus with a state of the art STEM building. The focus of new centre will be to address skill shortages in the region.
Set to open in September 2013, the new STEM (MM) Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (Media and Music) building will provide 3500 square metres of state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and workshops focusing on Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and specialisms, Maths, Science, Renewable energies, Nuclear power and Gas training. The Media and Music department will also be housed there.
According to national statistics, 59% of North West employers are having trouble recruiting STEM staff*, with 58% of new jobs in the economy requiring STEM skills.** We have stepped in, in response to this demand, to invest in a specially designed facility that meets these skill gaps.
SEMTA, the sector skills council for science engineering and manufacturing technologies expects 22,800 new job vacancies in the region between now and 2016.
The new centre will also become the new purpose-built home for the College’s highly respected Music and Media faculty. It will house the department’s state of the art equipment, including the HD TV studio, Macintosh Edit suites, a sound proofed recording studio, rehearsal rooms, radio studio, cameras and amps.
Media programme leader Jamie Holman says: “We believe this development will help further cement and develop our outstanding industry links that already include Tate Liverpool, The Saatchi-Gallery Magazine Art And Music, The Guardian online and All Tomorrows Parties festival.”
Principal Ian Clinton says: “I am so proud the College is playing such a key role in developing the skills capabilities of the manufacturing sector and helping promote STEM courses.
“Over half of new jobs in the North West are going to require STEM skills – it’s a necessity we train our young people in these areas.
“We have already been successful in securing £2 million from the Skills Funding Agency towards the building and the rest of the money has been funded by the College.
“The aspiration is that the new building will enhance the campus feeling that has already being created by the Beacon Centre and the University Centre, as well as strengthening the image of the town from the main ring road.”
The STEM (MM) building is the fourth phase of the College’s Master Plan to create a world-class campus. Phase one was completed 2007 with the £8.8 million St Paul’s Centre, which houses the two areas of the Sixth Form and Computing. In September 2009, phase two, the £14 million University Centre, opened and phase three involved the building of the £18.3 million Beacon Centre in December 2011, which houses Creative Arts, Fashion and Textiles, Photography, Childhood Studies, Health and Social Care and Public Services over five floors.
The new building will be located adjacent to Alma Street and Barbara Castle Way.
* CBI, October 2011
** UKCES, 2011
2012 – The Beacon Centre
The biggest build to date – the £18.3million Beacon Centre opens. With 100% success across 116 vocational subjects and 142 Triple Distinctions (equivalent to 3As at A Level) Blackburn College is officially ‘in a league of its own’ according to OFSTED. But the College isn’t resting on its laurels. Staff are confident success rates are sure to soar with £18.3million of even better facilities.
2009 – University Centre at Blackburn College
Degree students move into the new £14 million University Centre. Again – better buildings and facilities fuel successes. The University Centre is currently celebrating over one in ten students achieving first class honours and an average graduate earning £25,000pa just six months after graduation.
2007 – St Paul’s Centre
Sixth Form and computing students get to enjoy the brand new £8.8 million St Paul’s Centre. Better facilities soon led to better successes – A Level students are currently celebrating a 99% A Level pass rate with 54 A* & A grades.
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