Maggie Philbin cuts ribbon on £13m iSTEM Centre

Science star Maggie Philbin has officially opened the new £13m iSTEM Centre at Preston’s College.

Guests were treated to a tour of the Centre’s cutting-edge facilities and got to see the College’s new iSTEM (innovation & Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum in action.

Learners from a range of academic areas demonstrated live briefs to guests using the Centre’s state-of-the-art equipment. Aeronautical Engineering learners displayed repair skills on a six-seater twin engine aircraft and Sport students showcased the advanced technology of the AlterG Anti-Gravity treadmill.

Following the official ribbon cutting, Maggie Philbin said: “I was honoured to have been asked to officially unveil the new iSTEM Centre and be part of the milestone event. Preston’s College knows what it wants from its students and is taking active steps to not only give Lancashire leaners an outstanding education but the skills and experience they need for life.

Lis Smith, principal and chief executive of Preston’s College, added: “There’s so much potential for Lancashire to become a STEM leader and a more holistic approach to skills development and training is required if we’re going to achieve this. That’s exactly why the iSTEM Centre is fundamental to the delivery of our new curriculum, to offer the very best learning and skills development that will contribute to up-skilling the region.