Tamworth automotive training hub set for September opening
A NEW centre for skills development in Staffordshire will open its doors to the public for the first time next month.
A £2m funding boost will transform the former Torc vocational centre and part of the Tamworth campus of South Staffordshire College into a leading facility, which will complement the county’s growing automotive and manufacturing sector enabling people to learn and develop engineering and automotive skills.
The new facility, called the Tamworth Automotive and Engineering Hubs, follows a major investment by Staffordshire County Council, the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and South Staffordshire College.
It will offer a range of courses for people from the age of 14 to help ensure they can make the most of increasing opportunities. The hubs will play a vital part in boosting skills to provide work-ready candidates for employment. This is a priority for both the county council and the county’s LEP.
Cllr Ben Adams, Staffordshire’s cabinet member for learning and skills, said: “We are committed to investing in skills to increase opportunities for Staffordshire people in the long-term. Work at the Tamworth centre is progressing well and demonstrates a determination by all of us all to deliver as quickly as possible.
“We know that this centre will be one of its kind in this region and vastly improve the learning offer in the town and facilities for people attending courses. By having South Staffordshire College come on board to run the centre, it means the long-term viability is secured and the good links it already has with businesses can be expanded and strengthened.
“The funding to fit-out the hubs with equipment to aid learning shows that the City Deal has had an immediate impact and is supporting ours and the LEP’s priority in increasing skills development. As a result of our growth deal announced this month, we can expect to see more developments across the county over the next few years.”
South Staffordshire College Principal Graham Morley said: “The college is delighted to expand the engineering, automotive and construction provision in Tamworth through these two hubs and is committed to working with schools, the local community and business to deliver the skills that employers need.”
The college already has links with a number of employers in the automotive and engineering sector. It is also working with Jaguar Land Rover to support local people in applying for semi-skilled roles at the company. This involves an introduction to engineering programme and a sector-based work academy.
