College will benefit from new centre (From Thurrock Gazette)
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College will benefit from new centre
8:00am Sunday 14th October 2012 in News
SOUTH Essex College is ready to use the “breath-taking” rehearsal facility, which opened on the High House Production Park, in Purfleet, two weeks ago.
The centre was built at a cost of £13.7million and will offer local students in further education the chance to work with the best people in the creative business.
It is thought some of the best bands in the world could use the centre in the very near future.
A spokesman for South Essex College said: “Our Level 3 Btec Production Arts students have already made the move to this outstanding facility. They will learn as they work alongside industry experts.
“Not only will they support the productions as they come to the building, but also become a team of production staff pitching their skills to employers.
“More than 20 production arts students will work with creative and cultural apprentices and support the arts world in Essex, Herts and North Kent.
“The National Skills Academy has been working with the college for the past two years in planning and devising the development.”
Plans for the centre were put in motion after a gap between creative skills education and the skills actually needed within the industry was identified.
With a number of classrooms and teaching equipment, students will get a hands-on approach to learning backstage skills, working directly with those putting on West End shows or arena tours.
