For students Laura Berry and Lauren Gaiswinkler, the chance to train on state-of-the-art equipment at St. Clair College's new mediaplex is an opportunity of a lifetime.

Occupying the renovated former Salvation Army building at the intersection of University Avenue West and Victoria Avenue, the mediaplex features state-of-the-art equipment for the program's more than 100 students.

"I can't believe the amount of up-to-date equipment we'll have," said Berry, who will be going into her second year in September. "We've all been through the building and followed its progress from Day 1 and we're all amazed at what we'll be training on."

Featuring television and radio studios as well as print and online newsrooms, the new mediaplex is reportedly one of just three such mediaplexes in the world along with the University of South Carolina and another in Germany.

It will allow students to be trained and prepared for employment in all phases of new media.

Gaiswinkler, who studied English and film studies at the University of Western Ontario, said she was attracted to St. Clair by the program and the plans for a new building.

"I'm really excited by what we'll be doing in the fall," said Gaiswinkler. "This will put the program on the map across Canada and provide us with all the tools and skills we'll need in the future."

Designed by Architecttura Inc. and built by Amico Design Build, transformation of the former Salvation Army building cost about $5 million. Funding was provided by the federal government's community adjustment funding initiative.