The first students have arrived at a new £30million university set to fill a city’s skills gap.
ARU Peterborough offers 27 courses, many in science, health and technology, and has worked with 170 companies to help shape its curriculum.
The university has space for 2,000 students but hopes to be able to offer courses for up to 12,500 by 2030.
Rector Prof Ross Renton said the region is a “cold spot” for higher education.
Government data suggests that 32% of Peterborough’s population has a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, compared to 43% nationwide, he added.
Prof Renton said: “If you look at Peterborough and the wider region, including the Fenlands, we have real concerns about the level of skills that exist here.
“In terms of social mobility and access to higher education, this is one of the coldest places in the country and we hope to reverse that.”
Newcomer Sanita Ozolina, 35, from Peterborough, has just started training as a nursing assistant.
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She said the campus, which is in the city center and a few minutes’ walk from the medieval cathedral, is “amazing”.
“I’ve had a few trips to ARU while it was still in the works and I think it’s a very exciting time, especially as we’re also the first on campus,” she said.
Nancy Collinge traveled from her home in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk to complete her apprenticeship in digital and technology solutions.
“I’ll get to know all aspects of computer science and IT that I don’t currently know and that have to do with my work, but I didn’t have the opportunity to get to know them,” said the 41-year-old.
“It means I’ll understand a lot more in my current role – and if I decide to specialize in the future, I’ll be much better qualified for it.”
The university has worked with companies, including Test Labs, which employ microbiologists, chemists, biomedical scientists and engineers, and test medical devices to design the curriculum.
Head of R&D Tautvydas Karitonas said: “This business has grown in recent years and we obviously rely on finding the right people at the right time.
“Now that the new university is here, we see a pipeline of students or a pool of talent on our doorstep.”
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