COLLEGE bosses want to create a vocational centre, to train the mechanics, builders and engineers of tomorrow, on an industrial estate in Eastwood.

South Essex College has now submitted an application to convert part of the Progress Road Industrial Estate into a base offering courses in construction, motor vehicles and engineering.

The centre would cater for up to 180 students.

Anthony McGarel, deputy principal and chief executive of South Essex College, said: “The college is currently in negotiations with the owner regarding the sale of the site near Progress Road.

“We hope to be able to expand our Southend-based construction and engineering courses at this new centre in the future, offering students a dedicated, industry standard facility.

“The plans include motor vehicle mechanics to be offered in Southend for the first time. Our ambition is to equip more young people in the local area with the right skills to secure jobs in these important industries for the UK economy.

“Like buying a house, we don’t want to look too far ahead until the deal is done as there is still a long way to go, but this certainly has the potential to be an exciting time for the college in Southend.”

The new site is hoped to accommodate more than 100 parking spaces.

James Courtenay, councillor responsible for children and learning, is optimistic.

He said: “It is important that Southend offer different variations to higher education.

“While some go to schools and colleges to get A-levels before going on to University, for others it is not the best option and it is important to offer variations.

“South Essex College’s proposal goes towards the general plan to have as much further education, and different types of education, in Southend.

“We have a wide range of options already available in Southend for 16-plus but also for those who decide to retrain later in life or want to gain new skills so it will be good to add to that.”

The college already have campus’s in Basildon, Southend and Thurrock.

Earlier this month, the Basildon campus opened a new construction centre, in partnership with Redrow Homes and Draper Tools.

The centre offers industry level training, facilities, equipment and many opportunities to students.

The proposal has been recommended for approval by council officers and will be decided by members next Wednesday.