Wigan & Leigh College hosted a grand opening to launch its new University Centre in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire, and to commemorate 70 years of delivering higher education courses.

Prospective students, stakeholders, key community figures and alumni of the College celebrated at the Parsons Walk Campus and were entertained by a string quartet and were served canapés and refreshments by Hospitality & Catering students.

Shortly after speeches from the College’s partners, UCLan and Sellafield, Chair of the Governing Board at Wigan & Leigh College Frank Costello, had the honour of unveiling the official plaque. He said, “It has been a long held ambition of the College to develop its status as a Higher Education provider in the region.

“Our community and our students now and in the future are our sole focus, we exist to serve them. It is the future jobs, careers and successes of those students that this secures.”

After the proceedings, current students showcased their work in the new University Centre where prospective students were able to see the range of courses on offer. There are currently 13 existing graduate career pathways, including specialist Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects, and a sector leading Degree Apprenticeship programme with Sellafield Ltd. The opportunities will expand and develop to support Wigan’s ambitions for economic growth.

The University Centre at Wigan & Leigh College makes degree level study realistic for adult students with flexible study options around life and work commitments. A large number of our HE students have full-time jobs or their own businesses and can develop at their own pace. Some qualifications are accredited by UCLan, giving the local community the opportunity to get a degree from a university who are estimated to be in the top 3.7% of all universities worldwide.

Anna Dawe, Principal said, “This is a proud moment in history, not just for the college, but also for the borough of Wigan. Working with an institution like UCLan with a world class reputation is the first of many steps towards securing the career ambitions and economic prospects of our next generation.”