THE newly appointed head of a multi-million pound centre has promised it will have excellent teaching and the best facilities to educate the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.

Peter Alstead, aged 51, will lead the £4.1 million Bolton College’s STEM — science, technology, engineering and maths — centre, which is currently being built next to the town centre campus and is the first centre of its kind in the North West.

Mr Alstead will oversee the development of the centre, which is due to open this spring, as well as taking charge of the motor vehicle, engineering technology and water engineering sections.

He said: “We want to ensure that our students experience excellent teaching and learning enhanced with the best facilities.

“This will enable them to acquire the appropriate transferable skills that will ensure their future career aspirations and employment opportunities are fulfilled within science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

Mr Alstead has 20 years experience in education having previously been head of area for engineering and construction in three higher and further education institutes.

He has had 15 years industrial experienced at British Aerospace Dynamics and more recently was employed in the post of contracts manager for a leading Manchester-based construction company.

Marie Gilluley, principal of Bolton College, said: “We’re all very excited about Peter’s appointment. His experience is unrivalled and we’re confident his knowledge will prove a real asset for both staff and students here at Bolton College.”

The STEM centre will complete Bolton College’s existing campus in Deane Road and will offer students a range of full-time and apprenticeship and vocational STEM courses.

It will also provide additional skills for people employed in industry.

The centre will provide a pathway to jobs and higher education and increase aspiration and motivation among Bolton’s young people by offering different options following secondary school.