The Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) is on target to open its doors as planned in Filton, Bristol, marking an exciting new chapter for technical education and the Weston College Group.

Following months of hard work, construction of the new specialist campus has been completed on schedule. With teaching staff now on site and final preparations underway, AMTEC is ready to welcome its first learners.

A significant milestone in the project was reached this week as Senior Capital Works Project Manager Mark Eustace officially handed over the keys to the new facility to Vice Principal of AMTEC, Andy Smith, marking the transition from construction and fit-out to teaching and learning preparations ahead of opening.

Located in the heart of Filton, one of the UK's leading aerospace and advanced manufacturing hubs, AMTEC has been created to deliver high-quality technical training for the next generation of skilled engineers and manufacturing professionals.

The new Technical Excellence College will provide specialist training across aerospace and advanced manufacturing, working closely with major employers and SMEs across the region, including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN and Babcock.

Teaching begins on Monday 28th September, when AMTEC's first cohort of learners will start their studies, with around 200 apprentices expected on the first day and approximately 700 apprentices due to attend the new campus throughout its first week of operation.

The development represents a significant investment in the future of technical education and the region's engineering and manufacturing sectors, creating a dedicated environment where apprentices can develop the practical skills, technical expertise and industry experience needed by employers. As a Technical Excellence College, AMTEC will play a key role in supporting economic growth, addressing skills shortages and helping to build the highly skilled workforce required for the future of UK manufacturing and engineering.

Andy Smith, Vice Principal of AMTEC, said:

"AMTEC is on target to open as planned, and it is incredibly exciting to see the vision for this new college becoming a reality.

"The completion of the building work, the arrival of our teaching team and the preparations for our first learners are all major milestones. We have created a genuinely outstanding facility in the heart of one of the UK's most important aerospace and advanced manufacturing communities.

"Receiving the keys to the building marks the beginning of the next chapter as we focus on delivering an exceptional learning experience for our apprentices. Our ambition is for AMTEC to become a centre of excellence for technical education, working hand in hand with employers to give our learners the skills and experience they need to build successful careers and support the future of these vital industries." 

Mark Eustace, Senior Capital Works Project Manager for AMTEC, said: 

"Handing over the keys to Andy and the Curriculum team is a proud moment and marks the culmination of a tremendous effort from everyone involved in delivering this project. 

"From initial planning through to completion, the focus has been on creating a technical training facility that meets the needs of both learners and industry. It has been fantastic to see the building take shape, and I am delighted to officially pass the campus over to the team who will bring it to life through teaching, learning and employer engagement." 

With its doors nearly ready to open, AMTEC is preparing for an exciting new chapter, helping to develop the skilled workforce that will drive the future of aerospace and advanced manufacturing.