Thanks to all those people who came along to the opening of our new ‘Bob Feltwell’ animal management centre last week.

The day was another great occasion for the college and the facility is a fantastic resource that will be of benefit to our current and future students.

Aside from Mr Feltwell – a governor (and former chair of governors) who had the honour of having the building named after him – we appreciated the fact that the director of Colchester Zoo came along to officially cut the red ribbon.

We are fortunate to have a great working relationship with one of the largest zoos in the country.

On opening the facility, Mr Tropeano, said: “I really enjoyed attending the opening of the new animal centre at one of the region’s top colleges. “Colchester Zoo has very positive relations with Easton and Otley College, regularly lecturing to FE and HE students and delivering a specific Zoo Animal Management Module for the FdSc programme.

“We recognise the potential of Easton and Otley students, many of whom have subsequently gained employment at Colchester Zoo following completion of their courses at the college, and we hope that this new facility will provide enhanced educational opportunities and experiences for these students, which is vital for industry employment.

“I’ve worked in this industry for many years and it is my life’s passion and this was a great occasion.”

Animal courses at both our campuses have proved tremendously popular over the years and from our point of view, long may this trend continue. The fact that we have new buildings for these courses in both Suffolk and Norfolk will definitely help.

Aside from this occasion, we also welcomed four schools to the college last week who came along to participate in a series of construction-related taster sessions as part of National Apprenticeship Week and National Careers Week.

This event was supported by the CITB – the national training organisation for construction in the UK – and was one of many events that the college hosted to give new skills and advice to learners.

Every week we receive support from local businesses and other educational outlets with the aim of helping to open our students’ eyes to new career and industry opportunities.

Working together is what it is all about and we are continually surprised and delighted to receive your support – as ever, if we can support you as a business or individual – we’d love to hear from you.

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