TV presenter George Clarke formally opened a new £10 million Technology, Engineering & Construction (TEC) Centre in South East London on 23 June.

The TEC Centre, based at Carshalton College, has been created to consolidate the construction, engineering and motor vehicle curriculum areas into a single, central location for over 900 students.

The building provides state-of-the-art workshops to deliver plumbing, plastering, electrical, bricklaying, carpentry and motor vehicle lessons to students.

Respected TV presenter, architect and writer George Clarke gave an inspirational speech to assembled businesses, students, staff and dignitaries about being an ambassador for vocational learning, and the importance of education. He described the TEC Centre as an amazing space for students who will be the trade people of tomorrow.

Also present at the opening were representatives from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), outlining the demand for this type of teaching facility. Visitors were then given tours of the workshops before visiting an Employer Trade Fair.

Year 10 and 11 learners from local schools also attended the Trade Fair to meet employers and take part in 'have a go' sessions in the TEC Centre.

College Principal Peter Mayhew-Smith said: "Our new TEC Centre should transform learning for our students: we now have industry-standard spaces and equipment on a huge scale with opportunities for them to immerse themselves in the crafts and trades they love.

"The builders, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and mechanics of tomorrow will learn their skills here today and we can’t wait to throw our doors open to them all."