The Isle of Wight College has been identified as a site for targeted Government investment that will transform its buildings and facilities for future generations.
The College is one of sixteen across England set to benefit from the Government’s £1.5 billion FE Capital Transformation Fund which aims to rebuild and transform college estates and create modern, fit-for-purpose spaces that meet the needs of students and the communities they serve.
Bids put forward earlier in the year to upgrade facilities are now being considered by the Department for Education (DfE) with funding expected to be awarded this Autumn.
Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Gillian Keegan said the Government’s priority is to make sure every student receives high quality education and training, no matter where they live, so they can gain the skills they need to progress into work and help the economy to rebuild and grow.
Welcoming the news, Principal at The Isle of Wight College, Debbie Lavin, said: “ I am delighted that the College has been identified as a priority for additional investment that will further progress the development of the Campus and ensure students on the Island have access to the very best of facilities and services within which to study.
“I am very proud that the good work achieved by all the students and staff at the College over many years, combined with the overwhelming support of our many employers, has translated into an investment that will secure the College, as a state-of-the-art venue for education, for many years to come”.
MP Bob Seely added: “I am delighted that the Isle of Wight College has secured this funding and I congratulate Debbie Lavin for her great leadership.
“Improving education is critical in everything we do. It is also critical for getting a better deal for the Island.
“We need to put our young people at the forefront of our minds as we move forward from the coronavirus pandemic. We need to create better opportunities for our young people here. I want young Islanders to be given the same opportunities and the same chances to succeed as young people across Britain.
“By building a better future for the Island, we can encourage more to stay on the Island and build their futures here.”
