23rd 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 with us, the series will serve as a small introduction to the staff you will potentially be working with on a regular basis.

This week, we spoke to Matt Prowse – Marine Engineering and Boatbuilding Lecturer on what his thoughts are on the Hi Tech & Digital Centre!

 

What is your role at South Devon College?

Lecturer in Marine Technologies and Boatbuilding

 

What is your educational/working background?

I grew up in Teignbridge and went to School at Teignmouth Community College. I studied a HND in Boat Design and Production and then completed a BSc (Hons) in Marine Technologies at the University of Plymouth. I left university and went to work as a Naval Architect at Princess Yachts for two years. I then left to start my own freelance CAD design company in which I worked for various companies including Babcock designing interiors of luxury superyachts. I then saw a vacancy with South Devon College to teach Boatbuilding and Marine Engineering approximately eight years ago and have been based at South Devon Marine Academy ever since.

 

What attracted you to work at South Devon College?

I always knew I wanted to teach and this job gave me the opportunity to come straight from industry and teach a subject that I love whilst completing my teacher training on the side.

 

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

I love facilitating projects that allows the students to explore new theories and technologies, for me, projects are the best way for students to learn whilst gaining vital employability skills and replicating the working environment in class.

 

What is your vision for the future of your sector?

Technology is changing in the marine sector all the time. New materials to enhance performance of racing hulls, new production techniques to improve production. The ability to go faster using less power from engines that use fossil fuels.

 

How do you see digital technologies developing within your sector?

Virtual reality is becoming a trending technology which we will see more and more to benefit the marine industry. The ability to see products before they are made, the ability to practice boat handling and navigation in class rooms.

 

What are you most looking forward to about the Hi Tech & Digital Centre opening in September?

The layout being ideas-centred. The process of conception to fabrication and testing being at the heart of its design.

 

What piece of tech do you find the most useful in day to day life?

Definitely the mobile phone. Apps for enhancing everyday life, including knowledge centres on social media.

 

What is your favourite motivational song?

“We are the Champions” by Queen

 

What is the best thing about living and/or working in South Devon?

The fact we are central to a range of locations including Dartmoor and the coastline It’s a beautiful area.

 

The Hi Tech & Digital Centre is due to open in September 2019. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information about the Hi Tech & Digital Centre and what courses will be delivered there, email [email protected] or call 08000 380 123.

 

The Hi Tech & Digital Centre (HTDC) combines £8.3m from the Heart of the South West LEP’s Growth Deal funding from the Heart of the South West LEP, as well as funding support from European Regional Development Fund, Higher Education Funding Council for England, Garfield Weston Foundation, Torbay Council, South Devon College and private sector investment. It will be a flagship facility, alongside other Institutes of Technology developments in the country.