WORK on the new multi-million pound state-of-the-art Forth Valley College campus in Alloa is underway.

The £21 million development in the heart of the town will support 130 construction jobs and provide 30 students with work experience as part of their course work.

Ochil MSP and Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning Keith Brown cut the first sod at the site of the new campus on Monday and said the facility was long overdue as the old college wasn't fit for its purpose.

Mr Brown told the Advertiser, "We must continue to stimulate the economy when and where we can in order to support a strong recovery.

"Not only will this new campus provide a community hub in the heart of Alloa, it is helping students gain vital work experience through the Get Ready for Work programme and has created more than 130 jobs in a sector under pressure in the current economic climate.

"Forth Valley College has ambitious plans to develop and upgrade across its three main campuses, providing education and opportunities in positive learning environments for thousands of students in Central Scotland." The new Alloa campus is due to welcome its first students in August 2011 and will provide new, state-of-the-art facilities for students and the local business community.

Forth Valley College is also updating its campus in Stirling which will support a further 130 construction jobs and approximately 40 work experience students.

Speaking at the site on Monday, Linda McKay, Principal for Forth Valley College, said, "We are delighted construction is now underway at the site of our new Alloa Campus. It's fantastic to think that we will have a new state-of-the-art community campus open in August next year.

"It's also been a pleasure to have Keith Brown join us today to mark the occasion, along with a number of construction students who will benefit from work experience on the new college building and be amongst our first intake of learners when the new campus opens." The new campus development will have space for up to 2900 students per academic year and include high tech-specification teaching rooms, workshops, gym and cafeteria.

The campus will offer provision in subject areas such as construction, engineering, motor vehicle maintenance, science, business, computing, childcare and education, creative industries, hairdressing and beauty therapy.

It is being supported by the Scottish Government's £17 million capital investment in the further education estate and undertaken by Miller Construction.

Miller's Managing Director, Brian McQuade, told the Advertiser, "It is so important to have these facilities, to have the life blood of the construction industry coming through, and we have a link with a number of colleges to help that happen." Conference facilities will be available for hire and the general public will be encouraged to use the facilities for community activities.

The campus will be located in the heart of Alloa town centre in Hillcrest Drive, just off Clackmannan Road.