College transformation on track for completion in 2027

Yeovil College CEO and Principal Mark Bolton said the £90m project will "redefine engineering education in our region"

A £90m rebuild of Yeovil College campus is set to be completed by mid-2027.

Mark Bolton, the CEO and Principal, said the investment will "redefine engineering education in our region" and position the college as a leading centre for innovation, skills development, and industry collaboration.

The government funded project includes a new Institute of Sport, Construction Innovation Centre, and advanced digital learning spaces.

Last week the Office for Students committed to spend another £2m on updating engineering facilities at the college.

Yeovil is believed to be one of only two colleges nationally to receive funding of this magnitude.

Speaking on BBC Radio Somerset, Mr Bolton said the money will provide state-of-the-art fabrication and welding facilities, a significantly updated machine shop and a brand new helicopter repair and maintenance workshop.

He explained that the project directly supports the UK's defence and advanced manufacturing sectors, creating a pipeline of highly skilled professionals for aerospace, defence manufacturing, and secure supply chains.

Leonardo, Atlas, Honeywell and BAC systems are among the companies working in partnership with Yeovil College.

Mr Bolton said there are "thousands of really great jobs in our local businesses" enabling people to have careers that can take them all over the world.

Many of them, he continued, are "at the cutting edge of local technology".

Between 2021 and 2027, Mr Bolton said the college will have won and spent £90m on the campus transformation to improve learning facilities in a range of fields from manufacturing and rotary aerospace to defence.

A state-of-the-art hub for advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and defence engineering – is expected to be fully operational by September 2026.

Mr Bolton said the "full campus refresh", which started in 2021, "will conclude sometime mid-2027".