WEYMOUTH College has unveiled its new "state-of-the-art" building with a mock hospital and nursery which will help students gain hands-on healthcare experience.

Local employers from the health and education sectors joined Weymouth College for the opening of new state-of-the-art facilities that aim to prepare students for the working world.

On Tuesday afternoon, Weymouth College Principal and CEO, Julia Howe, cut the ribbon on the Tyneham building, which will be used for new T-level qualifications in Health and Early Years.

The new building was constructed over the summer holiday and the 2023 intake of students have already been getting to grips with equipment in the mock hospital ward and children’s nursery, replicating real-world teaching environments and providing valuable hands-on experience.

Dorset Echo: 4) Students will gain hands-on experience in the mock hospital ward in the new Tyneham building4) Students will gain hands-on experience in the mock hospital ward in the new Tyneham building (Image: Weymouth College)

Dorset Echo: 5) The new facilities also boast a mock children’s nursery for Early Years students5) The new facilities also boast a mock children’s nursery for Early Years students (Image: Weymouth College)

The opening event was attended by representatives from local health and education service providers, including the NHS and Dorset Council, as well as College governors, staff and students.

Speaking at the event, Weymouth College’s Director of Curriculum and Skills, Martin Oliver, said the facilities in the new building would “go a long way” to supporting skills to the benefit of local businesses and the community.

The building was funded by Wave 4 of the government’s T Levels capital investment fund, providing a total of more than £74 million to support 86 T Levels projects.

T Levels are an alternative to A Levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent in size to three A Levels, a T Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.

Alongside the mock hospital ward and children’s nursery, the two-storey building includes an open plan entrance lobby with unisex toilets, four seminar rooms, a breakout area, accessible toilet and platform lift.

Megan Barnes, Head of School for Health, Social Care & Early Years at Weymouth College, said: “Having a new building to support quality teaching, learning and assessment is a significant asset to the care department at Weymouth College. It provides a conducive environment for both lecturers and students to excel in their respective roles.

Dorset Echo: 3) Head of School for Health, Social Care & Early Years, Megan Barnes, pictured at the opening with T Level students who will benefit from the new facilities3) Head of School for Health, Social Care & Early Years, Megan Barnes, pictured at the opening with T Level students who will benefit from the new facilities (Image: Weymouth College)

“This kind of investment not only benefits the current generation of students as well as enhancing the overall learning experience, but also contributes to the development of skilled professional who will play a vital role in the future workforce.”