Dorset LEP invests £194k in rural skills support

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has invested £194,000 towards improving rural further education.

The LEP has used money from the Local Growth Fund to enable two new infrastructure upgrades at Kingston Maurward College (pictured), a leading further education provider of land-based studies located near Dorchester.

The first project will provide digital innovations such as the rollout of 5G and superfast broadband to improve the quality of education and increase capacity for students.

The second ‘Green Classroom’ project will create anew environmental education facility at Hengistbury Head, providing a space for students to run engaging, original and inspirational activities involving the use of Augmented Reality.

Supporting this project is an evolving report on Natural Value, co-authored by Dorset LEP and Dorset Local Nature Partnership (DLNP) to support economic growth which is not at the expense for the natural environment, and underpinning the Dorset Local Industrial Strategy commitment to creating a programme of cultural excellence that enhances natural assets.

‘Support for our local education and skills providers is not just a good thing to do but plays a major role in helping to get Dorset’s economy back on track,’ said Dorset LEP director, Lorna Carver.

‘Set in the heart of rural Dorset and attended by students from across the region, Kingston Maurward College is one of our key economic assets and we are pleased to be investing in projects that link so well with our priorities for supporting our rural economy and protecting and enhancing our high-quality natural environment.’

Luke Rake, principal of Kingston Maurward College added: ‘As a vibrant and growing provider of land-based studies our student numbers have increased in recent years and are projected to grow further. This latest investment from Dorset LEP will significantly improve college facilities, reduce ongoing costs and the risk of network failure, increase the speed of our network and most importantly, improve the student experience.’