Major investment for Newtownabbey college

The government has today announced details of a £7.2 million investment package for the Newtownabbey campus of the East Antrim Institute of Further and Higher education.

Announcing the funding, Employment and Learning Minister, Maria Eagle said that the new training facilities at the college will help to provide an improved service for its community and economy.

The funding, which is supported by the Strategic Investment Programme to the tune of £5 million, will enable the Institute to consolidate its teaching accommodation at Newtownabbey onto its main campus site.

Unveiling details of the new investment, the Minister said: “The provision of both new and refurbished training facilities at its Newtownabbey campus will help East Antrim Institute deliver its courses more effectively. It will also enable the Institute to develop sponsored training opportunities and additional income streams, as well as affording it the opportunity to enhance the quality of teaching and learning.”

Ms Eagle continued by highlighting the current review of the Further Education (FE) sector, which underlines the key role colleges play in economic development by creating six larger and more influential colleges from the existing 16.

As part of this change, East Antrim will merge with the North East and Causeway Institutes.

The Minister added: “Today’s announcement underscores the importance of the FE sector to the economy. The Review of FE envisages a sector that engages with its community and industry to ensure local business is provided with a highly skilled workforce, to help Northern Ireland become a world-class economy.

“The Newtownabbey campus has a vital role to play in servicing the needs of local industry and this investment will enhance its ability to be a key driver of economic development for many years to come.”

The package will also enable the Institute to vacate sub-standard facilities at the nearby Felden Training Centre.

(EF/SP)