SOUTH Essex College in Grays played host to a special guest last week.

The minister for Business, Innovation and Skills, Nick Boles, visited the newly opened campus last Wednesday.

He was given a tour of the campus by Principal Angela O’Donoughue and also met with students studying Theatre costume, bricklaying, welding, electrical engineering and painting & decorating.

The minister said: “This is fantastic. I am so pleased to see that not only has South Essex College invested in this fabulous new building.

“It has also invested in some pretty amazing kit for the students to use and learn by doing. It is clearly very much appreciated by the students too. I really enjoyed meeting them.”

Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price added: “Good vocational skills courses are essential to ensure that all our young people are able to become the best they can be.

“The energy and enthusiasm that comes from people being able to pursue their own interest is great to see.

“Good also to see girls doing engineering. I really want to encourage more girls to pursue engineering as it offers great career prospects."