BLACKBURN College opened the doors to its £5.5 million Regional Automotive Technology Hub (RATH) with a motor show at the facility.

The show gave visitors an insight into the latest industry technology and there was a chance to meet hub staff and local car dealerships.

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Visitors could also find out more about motor vehicle scholarships and apprenticeships at Blackburn College and tour the £5.5 million centre.

Ayub Moosa, RATH curriculum area manager, said: “We had over 90 registrations at the event.

“This was our first motor show at the RATH centre and we hope to make the next one even bigger and better.”

Blackburn College’s RATH opened in August last year, and offers facilities for students who want to work in the motor vehicle industry.

The purpose-built building includes an MOT testing lane, rolling road, open plan workshops, a motor vehicle diagnostic iLab, five classrooms and an IT suite.

The RATH accommodates a range of courses which are accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Awards, alongside a range of development courses.

The programme supports the college’s work with North West motor dealerships the Chorley Nissan Group, Bowker BMW, Blackburn Audi and Simpsons Skoda.

It is hoped this employer engagement model will be adopted by the Independent Garage Network.