6th August 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 Paul Singer on what his thoughts are on the Hi Tech & Digital Centre!
What is your role at South Devon College?
Business and Qualification Developer.
What is your educational/working background?
My father was a Ship Broker for a multi national company so I grew up surrounded by ships and a family with a nautical background. I am a practicing Yacht Broker and also the Association Executive for the Board of British Marine South West. The South West region is the largest UK region accounting for over 30% of the leisure marine sector and employing nearly 10,000.
What attracted you to work at South Devon College?
I started at the College teaching Foundation Degree students the business module of their Yacht Operations Foundation Degree and discovered just how rewarding it is to be able to share my knowledge and experience with students.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
Seeing the students achieve meaningful employment in our industry.
What is your vision for the future of your sector?
The industry is changing rapidly and I see it becoming more and more accessible as we embrace new technologies. My vision will see a greater environmental awareness with boat owners and users to safeguard our seas and oceans for future generations.
How do you see digital technologies developing within your sector?
Increasing environmental awareness will see hybrid and electric propulsion really making an impact, bringing massive benefits to users and our oceans. Once you have experienced electric propulsion you won’t want anything else. We will also see more autonomous vessel technology and that in turn will help make boating more accessible.
What are you most looking forward to about the Hi Tech & Digital Centre opening in September?
The building itself is inspirational but more than just that, it has been designed to enable innovation in teaching methods and practices that are fit for Generation Z.
What piece of tech do you find the most useful in day to day life?
My iPad. It really has become a mobile office with easy access anywhere to anything I need for work.
What is your favourite motivational song?
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen.
What is the best thing about living and/or working in South Devon?
My journey to work brings me across the River Dart on the Higher Ferry and my office looks out on the river. It’s one of the most beautiful rivers and whatever the weather or time of year it is inspirational. Need I say more?
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.
