Business Secretary, Sajid Javid MP, formally opened a new flagship centre today to inspire and train the next generation of engineers. The state-of-the-art facilities will future-proof the UK manufacturing sector.
A brand new training centre set to create a new generation of engineers and narrow the UK’s manufacturing skills-gap, was formally opened today by the Business Secretary, Sajid Javid. The MTC’s Lloyds Bank Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre, located on the campus of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) at Ansty Park, Coventry, has been designed to provide premium training for the next generation of engineers and technicians.
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The Business Secretary said: “This centre will play a key role in turning young people from across the Midlands into the engineering leaders of the future. We are committed to three million high quality apprenticeships by 2020 because we know apprenticeships are good for business, young people and the British economy.”
Funding from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has been matched by industry support for the development of the centre, with the largest private sector investor being Lloyds Bank who is committing £5m over a five year period as part of its commitment to supporting the UK manufacturing industry and to help tackle the sector’s shortfall in skills.
The bank’s contribution will support over 1,000 trainees, in line with the Group’s Helping Britain Prosper Plan; as well as helping the UK realise its potential in advanced manufacturing.
Managing director of the new centre, Paul Rowlett, said: “With a continued shortfall in engineering skills, the sector is crying out for new employees who have a specialised set of skills needed for their business to progress. The unique opportunity to gain expertise with MTC member companies involved in some of the most exciting research into advanced manufacturing methods and processes being undertaken anywhere in the world, provides a great springboard to an exciting career in a thriving sector.”
Lord Blackwell, Chairman of Lloyds Banking Group said: “Supporting the manufacturing sector has been a priority for the Bank since it was formed over 250 years ago. This landmark training facility will inspire and equip apprentices with much sought-after skills, ensuring they are well placed to enter the workforce. The opportunity for young people to experience state of the art training is something that Lloyds Bank are proud to support and will help Britain prosper.”
The purpose-built training facility delivers a range of training and experience on real-life projects – from apprenticeship programmes, through engineer up-skilling courses and graduate development programmes, right up to executive level training. Fulfilling the skill needs of UK manufacturing into the future will only be achievable if more people choose a career in engineering. To inspire the next generation of engineers, the centre works closely with schools and colleges to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) related activities that demonstrate to young people (aged 7-19) how exciting, creative and rewarding a career in engineering can be if they have the right qualifications and experience.
