STROUD College unveiled ambitious plans to create a centre of engineering excellence at a special breakfast presentation event this morning, Friday, February 26.

College principal Dr Beri Hare spoke of the proposals in front of dozens of guests, including Lord Paul Drayson, the Government’s minister for science and innovation, MP David Drew and representatives from engineering firms across the region.

Dr Hare began by announcing the launch of the college’s new engineering course, which was able to get off the ground thanks to multi-thousand pound grants from the Learning and Skills Council and the Royal Academy of Engineering. Beginning in September, the course will enable students to achieve level one and two qualifications in computer-aided design and manufacturing skills, which form the basis of all engineering firms and are an essential stepping-stone into the industry.

But the key aim of the meeting was to rally support for the construction of a purpose-built, state-of-the-art engineering centre on campus to ensure the future sustainability of the industry in the region.

"We have to raise the profile of engineering as a respected profession," said Dr Hare.

"But this is not a task we can undertake alone. There has to be an amalgamation of everyone to make this work."

Later, Dr Hare encouraged guests, which also included staff from several Stroud schools and Stroud District Council chief executive David Hagg, to discuss exactly what support they could offer the project, whether it be funding, expertise or resources.

Everyone was then given the opportunity to sign up to a specialist task group, which will play a supervisory role in the construction and launch of the centre.

Mr Drew was quick to offer his support to the project, as was Mr Hagg and Lord Drayson, who offered to return to meet with the task group in March.

Speaking after the event, Neil Brayshaw, who will head up the engineering centre with fellow department head Justin Gregory, said: "It was really positive. I think everyone was pulling in the right direction and they all seemed determined to get this project off the ground."