Gibb said: "The secretary of state Nicky Morgan is determined to have more people educated in science and design in order to deliver strong economic growth to the UK. We are short of engineers and have to deliver more – and female engineers in particular."
Head of the school David Kennedy said: "This new building complements other accommodation on the site and provides an opportunity for students to follow STEM subjects. It underpins our commitment to computing and electronics and will also be used by primary schools in the area to help develop their pupils's skills."
The School offers a range of design oriented courses to sixth form students, including BTEC level 3 electronics.
One of the patron sponsors of the design and engineering centre is local company Premier EDA Solutions. Alongside a cash donation, the company has provided 30 Altium Designer licences. It is also working with the school to provide work experience placements and to support staff development.
Premier EDA's managing director Phil Mayo, pictured below, said: "We are proud to be involved with the new centre and to congratulate the achievement of the head and his staff."
