IMI News

Sarah Sillars opens state-of-the-art Automotive Centre at South Devon College

The IMI's chief executive, Sarah Sillars, was among a host of special guests at the official opening of Vantage Point, the £28 million new campus of South Devon College.

Following the opening of the whole college by Dame Kelly Holmes, the Olympic Double Gold medallist, each new faculty held its own launch and Sarah Sillars unveiled the plaque to commemorate the opening of the college's brand new automotive facility.

Purpose-built to offer training for the whole community from foundation to advanced diagnostic level, the automotive centre boasts three light vehicle workshops, a body repair and refinishing workshop, rolling-road tuning workshop and a diagnostic laboratory, making it one of the most technologically advanced automotive training facilities in the UK.

Commented Sarah Sillars:

"This fantastic new centre is a great credit to the future of the UK retail motor industry and a showcase learning environment for young people who are seeking a career in our sector. I am delighted and proud to have been invited to open this very special facility which is one of the latest to join the IMI's growing approved centre network."

Heather Maxwell, principal of South Devon College, added:

“We’ve created a fantastic environment for our students and staff to help them succeed in their careers. My staff inspire people of all ages every day and I know that this day of celebration with influential and inspirational industry leaders such as Sarah Sillars has provided us with many wonderful memories to celebrate the opening of these state-of-the-art facilities.”

South Devon College serves up to 18,000 full and part time students per year across Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Newton Abbot, Totnes and the rest of South Devon. It employs 467 staff and contributes £16 million to the local economy. As well as the new Automotive Centre, the College's investment of £28m has included: purpose-built classrooms; laboratories and workshops; 180-seat theatre; Business Incubation Units for new business start-ups; All-weather sports pitch and sports hall; Fitness Suite; and Music Technology Centre.

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For further information visit www.southdevon.ac.uk