The Sheffield College has completed a £5 million redevelopment of its Advanced Technology Centre on Olive Grove Road, creating one of the most advanced training environments in the region for technical education.
The expansion includes a two-storey extension, an immersive classroom equipped with 12 projectors providing a 360-degree learning experience, and new facilities tailored to industry needs in engineering, motor vehicle, gas fitting, and plumbing.
Upgrades feature five motor vehicle bays, including three dedicated to electric and hybrid vehicles, two body and paint bays, ten welding bays, and an innovation suite for computer-aided design. The learning resource centre and reception area have also been modernised.
The immersive classroom allows students to engage in simulated work environments through virtual and augmented reality, supporting skills development in manufacturing, safety, and engineering.
Angela Foulkes CBE, Chief Executive and Principal, The Sheffield College, said: “By investing in new facilities to be a great place to learn, we are ensuring our students and apprentices develop the technical and digital skills that employers and the economy need. It was great to showcase that to guests at the official opening.”
The project was funded through the Department for Education’s Post 16 Capacity Fund 2023/24 and the college’s own investment.
The facilities were launched on 9 October 2025, attended by representatives from Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Hallam University, and local industry bodies.
The development forms part of the college’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which prioritises digital integration, sustainability, and alignment with employer-led skills demand.
