TWO Hampshire colleges are set for a multi-million pound boost to encourage economic growth.

Sparsholt College near Winchester will receive £5.8m to refurbish engineering workshops and to create new facilities for vocational learners.

Fareham College will get £9.8m for a new centre of excellence for engineering and manufacturing technologies at the Solent enterprise zone in south Hampshire.

Sparsholt College principal Tim Jackson said last night: “We are delighted to receive this grant towards our investment programme in sports, motor vehicle and engineering facilities.

“These funds recognise and support our on-going commitment to providing inspiring and industryrelevant working spaces facilities for learners in Hampshire. We are looking forward to seeing the transformation of these spaces and the undoubted benefits they will bring to skills development and employability for learners, apprentices and employers.”