The government has announced that sites in Coventry and Sheffield are to house the new National College for Advanced Manufacturing.
This college will work together with ‘providers’ nation-wide to develop new skills for the manufacturing industry. The Business Department will work with the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC) and the EEF to establish the college.
In Coventry, college will be housed at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) at Ansty Park; in Sheffield, it will be located at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Training Centre.
MTC chief executive Clive Hickman said: “We are proud to be at the forefront of the National College of Advanced Manufacturing.
“At the MTC, we are seeing the development of what will be a flagship training centre for high-value manufacturing. As manufacturing technology advances, the centre will develop the skills and knowledge required to meet the challenges faced by the sector.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Economic growth is underpinned by technological innovation, a strong manufacturing sector and scientific excellence.
“The UK can no longer afford to lag behind countries like France and Germany, which have invested heavily in technical skills at the highest level for generations.
“This new facility puts Sheffield and Coventry at the heart of our nationwide drive to create the high-wage, high-skilled jobs of the future. It will give young people the opportunity to access the best industry-led training, as well as help local firms attract the talent they need to grow their business.”