STUDENTS have moved into a new state-of-the-art learning and technology centre at a Braintree college.

Colchester Institute has pumped £12.5million into the project, in Bocking, over the past three years.

The new building took just over a year to complete.

It provides facilities for digital media and IT studies, as well as business, early years and childhood studies, and a range of construction crafts.

A college spokesman said: "With over 20,000 vacancies in IT, digital and creative industries across Essex annually, the need for skilled workers in digital technology continues to rise.

"Top occupations in demand include programmers and software development professionals, marketing professionals, IT technicians, IT business analysts, architects and system designers, and web designers.

"Colchester Institute has recognised that digital skills are a pre-requisite for modern professionals and as such has embedded digital learning into all curriculum areas."

Film and Television student Heather Hamilton said: “The Media Lab is our place and we get to use a lot of equipment.

"We have a range of cameras and a brand-new studio where we can film whatever we like.

"There are plenty of computers to do extra work and the environment is very welcoming."

The college is holding an open day on Monday, January 20. People are advised to book online at colchester.ac.uk/events.