Yorkshire gets two National Colleges in huge boost for skills in key growth sectors
TWO National Colleges will be headquartered in Yorkshire as part of a national plan for developing skills in key sectors.
Business Secretary Vince Cable is visiting the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Training Centre today, which will be – along with Coventry- home of the National College of Advanced Manufacturing.
Also announced today is the National College for Wind Energy, which will be based in the Humber area and will act as a hub for skills, training and education initiatives.
It is hoped the advanced manufacturing college will help the UK to develop world-class skills in the manufacturing industry and close productivity and skills gaps with international competitors.
Mr 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 its surrounding area at the heart 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.”
The National College for Wind Energy is expected to open in late 2016, and will award new and mature students with professional qualifications and short courses (post A-level equivalent) in addition to programmes directed and sponsored by employers.
Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “Helping young people acquire advanced technical skills for the industries of the future is vitally important. National Colleges are an essential part of our long term economic plan.
“The Humber is the natural choice for the HQ of the new National College for Wind Energy. Through the College, Government and industry are investing in the people who will create local jobs and prosperity for the region.”
There are also to be two other employer-led National Colleges, which will promote excellence in the digital and creative sectors and enable young people to gain professional qualifications up to postgraduate level.
