£5m investment in training centre to create 32 jobs

A £5m investment in EEF’s training centre in Aston has resulted in the creation of 32 jobs.

The manufacturing organisation wants to increase the number of apprentices it trains each year by 60% to 400, and this second site will increase its capacity enabling it to achieve that target.

The centre will also host EEF’s new Leadership Institute and Manufacturing Academy.

Caroline Gumble, chief operating officer at EEF, said: “This further significant investment and the creation of over 30 new jobs underlines our commitment to both the region and to UK manufacturing.

“It is about ensuring manufacturers and engineers learn the valuable skills that future industry will need. This will keep them, and our sector, one step ahead as UK manufacturers compete in an increasingly global and technologically advanced field.”

The facility will house a range of areas devoted to developing technological skills, including robotics, electronics and rapid prototyping. It will boast an industry standard CAD suite, an automated factory and an industry standard tool room.

The jobs being created include technical skills, teaching, administration and back office support.

This latest funding takes EEF’s total investment at the Birmingham-based apprentice training centre to £11m. The second site is scheduled to open its doors later this year.