A new £400,000 Engineering block is being opened at City of Wolverhampton College to help give students the skills they need to find work.
The centre, which opens in September, has been developed with input from local employers, who have helped ensure the skills taught are those that businesses are looking for.
ThyssenKrupp, DSG and Mechatronics have all been involved in the process, and head of engineering Andrew Cartwright said: “We decided to consult with local employers to ensure the new equipment was relevant to the work being undertaken by students and that the software was industry standard and up-to-date.
“We pride ourselves on our links with local employers and found this exercise very helpful – we took on board everything they had to say, and this will be reflected in the quality of the equipment in the new centre.”
The new Engineering Learning Zone will operate as a modern manufacturing plant and incorporate Lean Systems into the curriculum delivery. Students will use new traditional machines alongside a new CAD CAM suite, while a fluid power and maintenance zone will provide the skills required to maintain a modern manufacturing plant.
Director of Faculty of Technology Mike Hughes added: “As a City stakeholder we are looking to support the companies in sourcing the skilled workforce to ensure success and growth.
“This innovative approach to teaching engineering and manufacturing skills wiII support the development of young engineers and apprentices and play a part in upskilling local people to gain employment in this exciting development.”
The New Engineering Zone complements the college’s existing Welding and Fabrication facility at the Paget Road Campus.
