PERSHORE College is attempting to lead the way in agriculture technology, after a significant investment of thousands of pounds from Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Agri-tech is the use of technology in agriculture and horticulture with the aim of improving yield, efficiency and profitability.

Worcestershire LEP's £500,000 investment, through the Government’s Growth Deal, is enabling Worcestershire College Group to launch a groundbreaking initiative with an Agri-tech Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) centre based at the college.

The project addresses current and pressing skills shortages in agriculture and horticulture and the new applications laboratory and live field-based experimentation and demonstration facility will enable the college, local horticultural businesses and students to work together.

The dedicated laboratory will house electronic, robotic and computer based technologies, that will be used to educate and train students and employers on modern applications of agri-tech.

The room will also serve as the control hub for accessing information and remotely controlling operations. Technology will be deployed across Pershore College growing areas to experiment, test and demonstrate innovation and automation.

The project will also enable the development of Horticulture Technology and Innovation courses, including technology focused learning into all Pershore College programmes to attract more new entrants to the industry.

The new STEM-focused facility enables the college to develop and deliver a programme of support for schools to raise awareness of agriculture and horticulture as high-tech, highly-skilled industries, again encouraging more new entrants to the industry in the longer term.

Professor Roy Kennedy, who is leading the programme, said: “This investment from the LEP is vital to ensure we have the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities needed for our students to become the skilled workforce of the future.

“Pershore College has a rich heritage and this investment means that we will continue to be at the forefront of land-based education and training in the region.”

Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire LEP added: “Agri-tech is one of Worcestershire’s key sectors for economic growth and our investment into Pershore College will enable our future workforce and local businesses to benefit from the latest innovations."

For more details call 0300 456 0049 or visit wcg.ac.uk.