EDUCATION Secretary Nicky Morgan came to Berkeley to explore the developments a college is making in the town’s nuclear labs - and listened to exciting new plans for a £6 million hovercraft which will transport students to the site via the River Severn. 

Visiting to show support for Stroud Conservative candidate Neil Carmichael’s campaign for re-election, Mrs Morgan went on a tour of Berkeley’s nuclear labs – home to South Gloucestershire and Stroud College’s Berkeley Green project.

SGS Berkeley Green University Technical College - an initiative Mr Carmichael championed in 2010 - is to be constructed on the vacant laboratories adjoining Berkeley Nuclear licensed site, aiming for completion by 2017.

Guided through the process by SGS principal Kevin Hamblin, Nicky Morgan was massively impressed by the ambition of the college's project.

She said: “It’s brilliant. I think what I’ve seen here today is incredibly impressive and I want to congratulate the college and Neil.

“Re-balancing the economy is an important part of what this government has been doing over the past five years and manufacturing is hugely important to that.

“Neil, quite rightly, has been emphasising the importance of manufacturing and engineering skills to his constituents”

During Mrs Morgan’s visit a new objective of the college came to light – acquiring a hovercraft to transport pupils and members of the public from the Forest of Dean to Berkeley and back.

The college has applied for £6 million of additional funding for the idea, which aims to reduce the numbers of cars on the road by connecting the two parts of the county.

Mrs Morgan said: “I think the idea of the hovercraft sounds fantastic. It’s a school trip I would never forget – and one you’d get to go on every day.”

The college’s idea of allowing students to engage with the design of the new UTC via the popular online game Minecraft was also brought up in the discussion.

The minister for education continued: “All of the things mentioned sound very exciting. From hovercraft to Minecraft, it’s all terrific - and just a sign of the kind of thing a strong economy can offer."

Mr Carmichael said: “The UTC will be a catalyst for more investment and innovation for manufacturing and engineering in the local economy.

"This is a concrete example of the Conservative-led government delivering on its promises for more apprenticeships and jobs here in the Stroud Valleys and Vale. I have been delighted to work with SGS College and other partners to bring this vision to reality.”

The UTC will train 14 to 19 year olds in digital technologies, cyber security and advanced manufacturing, with students gaining valuable technical qualifications while studying core academic GCSEs and A levels, such as English and maths.