A NEW multi-million pound Performing Arts and Technology Innovation Centre (PATIC) will sustain over 100 jobs in the construction industry during its development.
The construction phase has officially commenced on the £12m centre at the South Eastern Regional College in Bangor, which will support and enhance the employability skills of 400 students.
The focus of the centre will be to deliver innovative business development pro-grammes and a strong working relationship with the community to en-sure the future employability of its students.
Speaking during the sodcutting ceremony at the site this week, the Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry said: “I am pleased to be cutting the first sod for this new building. Engineer-ing, ICT and creative industries remain priority skill sectors for our economy, and this facility will provide students from Bangor and further afield with the most up to date learning environment.”
The new 3,650m facility will provide high specification, bespoke accommodation for the Schools of Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering, Computer and Software Engineering and Performing and Creative Arts.
The minister continued: “The Technology Innovation Centre will deliver teaching facilities that build upon the college’s expertise in the emergent fields of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology and Engineering sciences.
It will also offer access for local companies to benefit from the FE sector’s expertise in prototyping and product testing and the opportunity to develop bespoke training solutions.
“The performing arts facilities will help to provide the trained staff for the creative sector in Northern Ireland — a sector where Northern Ireland is already making its mark and has the potential to do so much more.”
Principal and chief executive of South Eastern Regional College, Ken Webb said: “The centre will provide an innovative curriculum to fill the well recorded technical skills gaps which are needed to drive the industry forward.
The completed centre will attract 400 new full-time students and provide a range of part-time courses. Its development will sustain over 100 jobs in the construction industry.”
Meanwhile, a student from Queen’s University has beaten off stiff competition to win the UK Student Volunteer of the Year award.
22-year-old Aidan Bannon from Belfast was announced as the winner by award organisers Student Hubs, part of the National Union of Students, at a gala celebration at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster.
The honour was in recognition of Aidan’s commitment to a wide variety of projects, including the Queen’s University Red Cross Society, which he founded. The society now boasts upwards of 60 members who, along with Aidan, have helped over 3,500 young people.