Business leaders were invited to tour a new digital healthcare centre at Dumfries & Galloway College this week – as part of a digital hub development which is set to transform the campus.
A select group of organisations got a glimpse of the new developments at the college which include an under-construction new renewable energy centre, The Green Energy Centre, and a reinvigorated Henry Duncan Centre for Innovation and Research.
The developments are part of the college’s commitment to strengthening ties between its educational offer and local business needs in key sectors.
Hosted by the new Principal, the group was treated to lunch, a tour of the campus, and an update on the work of the college.
A stop at The Digital Healthcare Centre, which will soon include a fully-simulated care home and other top of the range learning tools, and a video wall was included in the tour and was considered to be a highlight of the visit by those in attendance.
When construction is complete, these components will form part of a digital hub which will help Dumfries and Galloway College to work in partnership with the business community to provide unparalleled access to learning facilities in the South of Scotland.
Attendees were also given the chance to speak in person with college senior management, including the new Principal, who were available to answer questions and discuss the college’s plans to promote technology, accessibility, teaching innovation, and working in partnership on campus.
Among those in attendance were representatives from Dumfries and Galloway Council, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Ajenta, the Chamber of Commerce, the SCDI, and Hoggett Creative Limited, among others.
Continuing and strengthening the positive relationship that Dumfries and Galloway College has with local business and the broader South of Scotland community has been identified as a priority for the Principal and her team as she implements her strategic vision.
Principal Joanna Campbell, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome these prominent businesspeople to our campus and to exchange ideas and views with them.
“Our shared commitment to the economy of the South of Scotland mean that we have much in common and are all driven to do our bit for our area.
“We also share a profound commitment to technology and its use in the classroom – which will help equip our students for the roles they aim for after they leave Dumfries and Galloway College.
“I look forward to working with them all in the future and to welcoming them back to our college for further collaboration.”
The South of Scotland Economic Partnership (SOSEP) announced a major funding package last year with the lion’s share going to Borders and Dumfries and Galloway Colleges.