College celebrates new extension and new relationship

Easton College's £2.4million extension to its Jubilee Teaching Centre was officially opened last Friday by an academic leader from just a few miles down the road.

But although it was a short trip for Prof Bill Macmillan, Vice-Chancellor of the UEA, it was hailed as a significant moment for both institutions.

Easton College governors' chairman Sir Nicholas Bacon said it heralded the new relationship between the two centres.

"Over the past 30 years the UEA and Easton haven't really spoken and I'm glad to see that history has now been thrown out of the window," he said.

The event also marked another new partnership – the official launch of Colleges for Business Norfolk, linking six educational centres across the county to resolve employers' problems with skill shortages.

Prof Macmillan told the gathering of civic and educational leaders and business people that it was the first time he had ever been asked to open a building.

"I hope the staff and students will take as much pleasure from working here as I have from opening it. It's rather special to see such a buzz around the place," he said, after unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening.

He was delighted that the UEA had embarked on the new relationship with Easton.

"We believe that by working together we can put the needs of the learners, and not the institutions, at the centre of what we are trying to achieve."

He said Easton already had a good record of tailoring what it did to meet students' needs and fulfill their ambitions.

The newly opened extension at Easton's Jubilee Building features a much larger learning resource and study centre, specialist design studio, tutorial and teaching rooms, a lecture theatre and internet café. And it has all the latest equipment and teaching aids.

"And already it is full and a great success … and we need more space!" said Sir Nicholas, at the opening ceremony.

Sharif Sharif , managing director of Colleges for Business Norfolk, outlined to guests how the new partnership would find solutions for firms with particular training needs or skills shortages.

It meant a business was only one call, one email or one click on the mouse from a partnership which involved Norwich City College, Easton College, Great Yarmouth College, the College of West Anglia, Paston College and East Norfolk Sixth Form College.

"We can bridge that gap between an employer identifying a skills gap and sourcing the right training solution. It will save their time, energy and money."

For more information on Colleges for Business Norfolk contact 01603 731238 or visit www.collegesforbusinessnorfolk.co.uk

For more information on Easton College, call deputy principal Tricia Bell on 01603 731200.