Skills Minister officially opens College’s new technology centre

Clive Reid, Chairman of Corporation, Karen Harris, Chairwoman of Student Leadership Team, John Hayes MP and College Principal Derek O’Toole beside the plaque

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Hopwood Hall College’s new Technology Centre was officially opened by John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, today.

The £7m Centre, at the College’s Middleton Campus, is home to courses in manufacturing engineering, electronic engineering, motor vehicle studies, brickwork, joinery and carpentry and electrical engineering. 

Mr Hayes unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the building, and was given a tour of the centre, where he met students and saw them partaking in various courses. 

Mr Hayes said: “It is a great pleasure to be part of this special event on this special day.”

Speaking to a room full of college staff Mr Hayes spoke about the Government’s commitment and belief in higher education. He said campuses, such as Hopwood Hall in Middleton and Rochdale are “important symbols of what can be achieved and what can be got right.”

He added: “I am delighted to be asked to open this new Technology Centre; I know how much work has gone in to it.

“The project here is a very significant project and the project at the Rochdale campus is highly significant.

“I am determined that this kind of endeavour can continue in other places, at other colleges, up and down the country.”

Mr Hayes said he wanted to thank all of the staff at the college, not just for their work on the technology centre but for all the work they do.

Principal Derek O’Toole, said: “We are very grateful that the Rt. Hon. Mr Hayes has taken time out of his busy schedule to officially open our new Technology Centre. Its doors first opened in October and staff and students are absolutely thrilled with the new building.

“We now have one of the best facilities in the North-West for teaching construction and Engineering skills.

“The College hopes that this investment will help its technology students, both current and future, to gain the necessary skills required for a successful career in industry.

“I, the College’s management team and our Student Leadership Team enjoyed meeting the Minister and giving him a tour of this fabulous building, of which we are immensely proud.”