Visit from twin town (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Visit from twin town

The Salzgitter delegation at the Swindon College site with Mayor Ray Fisher Picture Ref: 99829-07STUDENTS from Swindon could soon be honing their skills in Germany.

Swindon College is on the verge of signing a partnership deal with its opposite number in Salzgitter.

It will give hundreds of youngsters the chance to enjoy a month's work experience on the continent.

Yesterday a delegation of teachers based at German college BBS Fredenberg chatted about the plans as they were given a whirlwind tour of Swindon College's new £12.5m building at North Star.

The modern-looking structure started in May is due to open in September 2006.

It will replace the existing building in Regent Circus, in the town centre.

The partnership designed to strengthen Swindon's ties with its German twin will be tailored towards students studying for healthcare qualifications, although the scheme could be expanded to include other subjects.

It was hinted that engineering students could also be included.

Truck giant MAN has plants in both Swindon and Salzgitter.

Brigitte Laisch-Menkel, of Salzgitter, said there would be a host of benefits.

"Our students will have the opportunity to experience a foreign culture," she said.

"There are many similarities in the British and German health professions.

"Students will spend time working in care homes and other healthcare settings."

It's already planned for a group of 10 Swindon students to visit Salzgitter in May.

Salzgitter students will visit Swindon the following month.

Jean Lewis, in charge of health and social care at Swindon College, added: "We met last night with the German delegation and made some plans, which still need to be finalised.

"It is a very exciting time for Swindon College at the moment."

Meanwhile, work on the new Swindon College building is going according to schedule.

Builders were yesterday seen laying bricks on the outside of the steel structure.

A students' refectory, shops and a studio will be built on ground level, while classrooms will be upstairs.

The existing campus in North Star will remain for several years, although there are future plans to combine all courses under one roof.

Swindon College is still in talks with land developers over the future of the Regent Circus site.

Kevin Shoesmith