College’s new mechanic centre to open in autumn in Southend

The new site, in Stephenson Road, off Progress Road, Eastwood, will provide students with a one stop shop for all their education and training needs in motor mechanics and the construction trades.

Phase one of the development will see the college offer motor vehicle courses in Southend for the first time. The site, due to open in September, will allow the college to expand provision in this area including new motorcycle, MOT and HGV courses plus engineering.

The second phase will involve the college creating dedicated construction facilities for students.

Bharat Hirani, head of engineering and construction at the college, said: “The expansion of our construction and engineering courses at this new centre will offer students the opportunity to train and develop in industry standard facilities.

“We are also extremely excited to offer motor vehicle mechanic training in Southend for the first time.

“Our ambition is to equip more young people in the local area with the right skills to secure jobs in these important industries for the UK economy.”

Ann Holland, councillor for culture, tourism and the economy, welcomed further provision for vocational courses in the town.

She said: “I think this is really productive. People are really needed for these sorts of jobs as well as academic jobs. The more different trades we can cater for the better. We want to fill as many jobs as possible.

“I’m very much in favour of vocational courses. When the airport business park comes on board we will need as many skills as possible.”

More than 50 businesses were told they need to find a new place to trade after South Essex College bought the the Dragon Enterprise Centre in September.

Businesses were given four weeks to leave amid rumours the building would remain empty for up to two years.

For more information and to apply for motor vehicle, engineering and construction courses at the college, please visit www.southessex.ac.uk