A new virtual reality suite to help train students in vital digital skills has opened in Stoke-on-Trent.
More than 1,000 people will benefit from Stoke-on-Trent College's latest facility, helping them to gain industry-standard qualifications and equipping them with skills in 3D and 4D mapping, game development technology and virtual drone mapping.
The virtual reality and visualisation suite has been backed by £120,000 from the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
It is part of the college's recently launched £350,000 digital and creative industries hub.
Lisa Capper MBE, principal and CEO at Stoke-on-Trent College, said: "This is such an exciting development for our prospective students, both young people and adults.
"These new facilities mean they will be bang up to date on digital technologies in industries such as construction.
"This will make them an asset to any business. In turn this will strengthen our local economy and help put Stoke-on-Trent on the map for digital excellence, working alongside our industry partners."
The new suite was officially opened last week (May 12) by Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Simon Clarke MP, who was visiting the city on an away day hosted by the Prime Minister.
Mr Clarke said: "This cutting-edge virtual reality suite will give the people of Stoke-on-Trent exactly the opportunities they need to lead the way in the digital revolution.
"We're backing the people of Stoke-on-Trent to get the qualifications they need to get ahead.
"Giving people the opportunity to get the skills they need, where they live, is a vital part of how we level up this country and it’s great to see this happening in the city."
Alun Rogers, chair of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP, added: "This project poses massive potential to attract businesses, boost skills and grow existing talent across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, and will help our area to lead thinking and delivery across the construction sector for years to come – a great opportunity for our region."
