A CROWD of excited guests gathered for a celebration and behind-the-scenes tour as the new Technology Campus in Blackbird Leys was officially opened.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith cut the ribbon at the newly-revamped City of Oxford College building in Cuddesdon Way last Friday following its £8m refurbishment.

Students have been sampling the state-of-the-art new facilities at the centre since September but few others have had a chance to explore the space before.

Addressing the group of about 50 guests, Mr Smith said: "It’s great to see this investment in high-quality facilities and skills training, which will both open up rewarding opportunities for local people and help the success of local businesses and our crucial high-tech sector."

The campus aims to address a recruitment shortfall in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), which makes up 20 per cent of the UK's business base.

It includes modern design and fabrication spaces, workshops as well as learning zones for students and apprentices on engineering, construction and motor vehicle courses.

On the day, visitors had the chance to tour the centre and meet current learners and staff from provider Activate Learning.

Jamie Austin, 19, who is completing an apprenticeship in engineering, said: "I did the full-time course at City of Oxford College last year. This was before the move.

"It is a much brighter and more welcoming environment. We didn't have access to equipment like this before so it is massively beneficial."

Fellow engineering student Shannon Ewers, 18, added: "I was inspired to follow an engineering route by my family and friends, who work in similar industries.

"It is good to be able to use equipment that you find in industry. Fewer girls go into engineering but I can't see why. I would say to anyone to go for it."

Work on the centre started in 2015 and included the construction of an L-shaped main block, a teaching block and science laboratories.

The investment is set to create up to 60 more full-time places on engineering courses and 60 new apprenticeship places.

An open event for prospective students is taking place at the site on Wednesday, February 22 from 4pm to 7pm. To pre-register visit tinyurl.com/h8pkp5j