Meeting the needs of manufacturers
Khalid Mahmood, MP for Perry Barr, Birmingham, has given his backing to a new multi-million pound Apprentice and Skills Training Centre in his constituency, which will set the standard for world-class manufacturing education. A former engineer himself, Mr Mahmood expressed his support for the centre’s goal to train the engineers of the future and its vital contribution to manufacturing in the West Midlands.
EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, has invested in the training facility in Aston, which will replace its existing centre in Tyseley, and is due to open in September this year. The investment is designed to ensure that companies are able to access state-of-the-art training facilities. They will also provide opportunities for apprentices through to adult learners to learn new skills and upgrade their current skills to help meet the needs of industry and equip them with the training and development they need to secure long-term roles.
The centre will offer bite-sized re-skilling and up-skilling courses, developed around employers’ needs. Apprentices and delegates attending the centre will be assured of first rate facilities and training delivery as EEF will continue its focus on maintaining high quality training provision in the premises and an environment that will meet its customers’ expectations. Part of the investment will fund new high technology machines and training equipment, and there will be self-study IT breakout areas, together with improved catering provision.
Mr Mahmood said: “Manufacturing is a vital contributor to the West Midlands economy and, with the opening of this new dedicated centre, there is no better time to train or re-train as an apprentice. Training as an apprentice can open many doors for young people, and it is essential that we do all we can to encourage more people to embark on this route and choose a career in industry.”
Peter Winebloom, apprentice and skills director at EEF, said: “This significant investment symbolises the importance EEF places on apprenticeships. We are committed to providing employers and other UK manufacturing organisations with the very best facilities and training to equip their young employees with the skills they require.”
