WORK on a new £3.5m state-of-the-art automotive centre - which will bring the latest motor and electric vehicle technology to Barnsley College - is underway.

The multi-million pound centre will be across from the college’s Honeywell Sports Village, and will offer the next generation of students access to some of the best facilities in the country.

As part of the project, bosses will be procuring a range of vehicles to enable the students to gain top-standard industry skills.

Nick Marshall, head of engineering at Barnsley College, said: “It’s fantastic to see this exciting new project beginning.

“It’s the start of new opportunities for our automotive department and when completed, Barnsley College will have a state-of-the-art space for our automotive courses.

“Technology is moving quickly across the sector, and we will be well placed to teach hybrid and electric vehicle training and maintenance and deliver the best learning experience possible for our students.”

Work is expected to be completed by next September.