More than 100 people from local businesses attended two ‘open day’ events at an apprenticeship training centre currently in construction in Shropshire this week.
Marches Centre of Manufacturing & Technology (MCMT) will incorporate dedicated fabrication, foundry, lathe, metrology, milling, robotics and vehicle trimming sections, as well as a specialist CNC Zone and spray booth/mixing capabilities.
The centre, opening this summer, will also house an auditorium lecture theatre, bespoke learning environments, five vehicle ramps and a rolling road test facility.
Matthew Snelson, managing director of MCMT, said: “Our first two open lunchtimes were very well attended and there was a lot of interest in the initial apprenticeships we are offering, not to mention the chance for firms to tap into CPD opportunities and the new technology we will be installing.”
The £3m training hub opened the doors to its facility on the Stanmore Industrial Estate to demonstrate the type of learning opportunities that will be available to local companies once construction is complete.
Firms including SNG Barratt and Mitchell Competition Engines were given an insight into how they can get involved in the project.
Jill Clarke, HR manager at SNG Barratt, added: “The MCMT will give us the same high quality learning provision and I was very impressed with the plans they’ve got to introduce the latest technology and ensure the training/apprenticeships are designed to ensure the needs of employers are met.
“We also spoke about the possibility of using some of their facilities to help us develop new manufacturing processes, which has the potential to be a really valuable resource for SMEs like ourselves. It’s a real positive for the area and one we are keen to support.”
MCMT has received £1.9m of Government Growth Deal funding via the Marches LEP. £1.1m of private funding has also been pledged by the consortium of Classic Motor Cars, Grainger & Worrall, In-Comm Training and Salop Design & Engineering.