£8.8m skills hub takes major step forward
The creation of an £8.8m skills hub to train people for careers in emerging industries and help businesses adapt to new technologies has taken a major step forward.
The Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange is currently under construction at West Nottinghamshire College’s Chesterfield Road campus in Mansfield.
A large steel frame that makes up the skeleton of the scheme has been erected.
Due for completion in summer 2025, the flagship facility will accommodate around 300 college students and will deliver qualifications at level 3 and above, with a strong focus on innovation and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.
The college building will provide 14,500 sq ft of eaching space across two floors and be a focal delivery point for T Levels – technical-based qualifications developed in collaboration with employers.
It will also offer opportunities for businesses to benefit from the technological expertise of the college and Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and its network of industrial partnerships.
Andrew Cropley, principal and chief executive of West Nottinghamshire College, said: “I’m delighted the Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange is emerging from the ground and beginning to take shape. It is a fantastic, physical symbol of a growing sense of optimism and a determination to embrace technology – and to create an exciting and prosperous future for local people.
“We look forward to working with our partners from Nottingham Trent University and in local businesses to help young people, adult learners and employers develop the skills and knowledge that will enable them to seize opportunities and grow our economy.
“This building will provide a great partner to our sixth-form college at the Chesterfield Road campus and make this site a focus for nurturing skills and expanding knowledge in the very heart of the East Midlands.”
Funding for the multi-million-pound project is through a £4.3m allocation from Mansfield District Council’s Towns Fund pot, £3.8m from the Education and Skills Funding Agency as part of the second phase of its Further Education Capital Transformation Fund, and £734,000 from the college and NTU.
Jeremy Hague, director of knowledge exchange at Nottingham Trent University, said: “The Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange is a fantastic opportunity for Mansfield and surrounding areas. NTU is committed to collaborating with key stakeholders to deliver real sustainable growth and this skills hub is evidence of the power of these partnerships.
“It will provide life-changing outcomes by providing much-needed skills for the local economy, and we are excited to watch as the building takes shape over the next few months.”
Clegg Construction is the building contractor leading on the site’s development.
