9th July 2019
South Devon College wouldn’t be the fantastic place for learning that it is without knowledgeable and committed staff. With the Hi Tech & Digital Centre, it’s the same staff that have been making the Centre as good as it can possibly be for you whilst still doing everything else they would normally do.
To help you get an idea of what this new facility will mean for the College, its students, and the wider community, we’ve spoken to these key staff members to find out more about them, their journey, and what positive changes the Hi Tech & Digital Centre is going to make.
Also, if you’re joining us to study a course that will be based in the Hi Tech & Digital Centre, the series will serve as a small introduction to the staff you will potentially be working with on a regular basis.
The next member of staff we are featuring as part of the ’10 minutes with…’ series is Matthew Gordon. So without any further ado, let’s see what he has to say!
What is your role at South Devon College?
Automotive Lecturer.
What is your educational/working background?
I spent 15 years working for SEAT, and was a master technician from the age of 21. I specialise in vehicle diagnostics.
What attracted you to work at South Devon College?
South Devon College is forward thinking and embraces new technologies that supports both students and businesses. I wanted to be part of a team that embraces technological advancements, rather than shy away from them, and the team here at College fulfils that desire.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
It’s all about the students. Watching them develop their automotive skills and sharing in the joy of their successes is the best and most rewarding part of working here.
What is your vision for the future of your sector?
The government’s current target for stopping the sale of new fossil fuel vehicles is 2040, however a group of MPs want this moved forward to 2030. This means electric vehicle technology will soon become common place.
How do you see digital technologies developing within your sector?
With the onset of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), and also the development of 5G technology, vehicles will become more autonomous and more capable of communicating to other vehicles on the road.
What are you most looking forward to about the Hi Tech & Digital Centre opening in September?
Supporting and nurturing students in new ways and working with other curriculum areas to achieve even greater successes than before. Also the prospect of sharing a range of technologies between different curriculum areas is really exciting too.
What piece of tech do you find the most useful in day to day life?
My laptop and my phone as it allows me to stay connected to everything important to me.
What is your favourite motivational song?
Anything by Oasis!
What is the best thing about living and/or working in South Devon?
Being by the sea and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
The Hi Tech & Digital Centre is due to open in September 2019. Look forward to seeing you there!
Funding to create the world-class facility has been secured from a number of partner organisations including; the growth deal through the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP), Higher Education Funding Council for Education (HEFCE), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Garfield Weston Foundation.
For more information about the Hi Tech & Digital Centre and what courses will be delivered there, email [email protected] or call 08000 380 123.