ST HELENS College's transformation has continued with the official opening of a £5m science hub that it is hoped will boost engineering.

The refurbished STEM Centre has been unveiled at the Technology Campus at Pocket Nook.

The college's aim is to foster a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and enterprise and develop areas including: advanced engineering, robotics and smart utilities.

The event was attended by councillors, employers and businesses from across the region as well as college employees who have contributed to the development.

Jette Burford, college principal, added: “STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics) is such an important priority for us and as a college we continue to invest STEM facilities.

"We are currently working towards obtaining STEM assured status which will help us to ensure that we are responsive to an ever evolving marketplace by diversifying the curriculum that we offer in order to meet the demand from industry.”

The STEM Centre received a £5million investment and was part-funded by the Skills Funding Agency. It includes new dining area, internal courtyards, entrance piazza, remodelled workshops and classrooms plus a new library space complete with study suites and PC zones.

The college new STEM Centre will enable it to lead the way in STEM areas such as low carbon technologies and sustainable construction alongside robotics, digital technologies and innovation.

St Helens North MP, Conor McGinn, who officially opened The STEM Centre, said “I’m really impressed with these facilities. It’s clear to see how St Helens College are aligning to meet the needs of the economy.

"Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) subjects are key disciplines for bolstering industrial competitiveness. Preparing the next generation of STEM-educated workers should be a priority for the Government and must feature heavily in any future regional growth strategy.”