HUNDREDS of adults are to benefit from a new multi-million pound advanced technology centre in Hampshire.

Teachers, students and businessmen flocked to Eastleigh College for the official opening of the state-of-the-art facility on Wednesday.

The new advanced technology centre is the final stage of a £12.4m major redevelopment project run at the college.

As part of the scheme new art, design and hair and beauty facilities opened  in November 2016 while works to modernise the back of the college were carried out in 2015

Now the final stage of the project has been completed and the new advanced technology centre has officially been opened.

More than 200 students from the computer science, engineering and construction departments will be taught at the centre at any given time and 30 full-time and part-time staff members will be working there.

Dr Jan Edrich, Eastleigh College chief executive and principal, said: “The new centre will really help our students gain the knowledge and experience they need for their next steps and offers a fantastic environment in which to learn.”

The new building boasts state-of-the-art features such as an IT networking laboratory, suites with specialist 3D printing software, industrial robotics and an anti-static electronics lab.

The college confirmed that all equipment in the centre are identical to those used in industry today in a bid to ensure students are trained to a high level.

The facilities will also be used by local businesses who work with the college to recruit staff with practical skills.

Dr Edrich said:”We look forward to developing our strong relationships with local employers further, to find and train tomorrow’s experts.”

The Southampton-based Knight Architectural Design is one of the local companies who has been working in partnership with the college to both recruit staff and give its employees the chance to develop new skills through an apprenticeship at the college.

Ian Knight, company director, said: “My business is built on apprentices.

“I couldn’t be a bigger advocate for apprenticeship. This is a great way to help young people build their career.

“It’s great to see that the college is investing in its students and buildings and equipping them with the information perhaps they wouldn’t pick up in their daily life.”