UK College Secures Funding for New Composites Centre

The Isle of Wight College has secured £11 million in funding to develop a new 3,500 m2 Centre of Excellence for Composites, Marine and Advanced Manufacturing.

The facility will be located in Whippingham near Cowes, and will provide specialised education and training for around 600 students. The bid for funding on this project was headed by GKN Aerospace and supported by other local employers in the composites, marine and advanced manufacturing industries.

Peter Conway, Chair of Governors at the Isle of Wight College said;

I am delighted for all concerned that the Isle of Wight College has helped secure investment in this most critical area of the economy. This successful bid recognises the excellent partnership and relationships that exist between employers such as GKN Aerospace, the College and the Local Authority.

This is the fourth new investment secured by the Isle of Wight College this year, bringing the total to over £20 million.