Burnley College gets share of £88.5m funding to revolutionise engineering and computing education

Burnley College has been successful in its bid for a share of the £88.5m capital funding allocated by the Office for Students (OfS) to universities and colleges across England.

As the only college in Lancashire, and one of just two in the North West to secure this funding, Burnley College is set to lead the way in educational innovation and industry collaboration.

The funding will support a groundbreaking project within the college’s Engineering and Digital departments, integrating cutting-edge 'Industrial Internet of Things' (IIoT) technology to embed the latest digital and automated technologies into teaching and learning.

The initiative will allow learners to collect, visualise and analyse data collected from the college’s advanced manufacturing equipment and to model and simulate maintenance scenarios, test and verify processes and manage cyber-security.

Mirroring advanced technology solutions being implemented in industry, a state-of-the-art Data Insights Hub will offer an inspirational environment, allowing learners to work with  real-time data on machine performance, energy usage, waste production and overall equipment effectiveness.

The funding will also allow learners to work with ‘digital twins’ of different machines using mixed-reality headsets to run simulations and safely practice different maintenance tasks.

Once completed, the initiative will provide unparalleled learning opportunities for apprentices and young and adult learners on Engineering and Digital courses, providing them with skills that are in high demand in East Lancashire and beyond.

Neil Burrows, director of Skills and Innovation at Burnley College said: “This funding builds on years of strategic investment and reflects Burnley College’s long-term vision: to deliver innovative skills solutions that meet the needs of local and regional businesses.

"By integrating advanced technologies into our curriculum, we are preparing learners with the expertise employers demand while positioning Burnley College as a driving force for economic growth and industry innovation.

“This project will further strengthen partnerships with businesses across the region, ensuring we remain a trusted partner in shaping the workforce of the future.

“We invite employers and learners to work with us in shaping these solutions whether by collaborating on bespoke training, engaging in joint projects, or exploring new opportunities to develop the workforce of the future. Together, we can ensure our region remains competitive and ready for the challenges ahead.”

The enhanced facilities will also serve as a demonstration centre for local businesses, showcasing the latest advancements in industrial technology and fostering collaboration between education and industry.

Work has already started to create the new Data Insights Hub and the project is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026. This demonstrates Burnley College’s commitment to addressing the region’s skills needs and preparing learners for the jobs of the future.

Lancashire Business View reported earlier this month the college had announced its new principal and chief executive - describing the appointment as “marking the start of an ambitious new chapter”.

Jason Faulkner takes on the role following the resignation of Karen Buchanan in July, just weeks after she was suspended pending an investigation. Her deputy Kate Wallace has been acting as interim principal.