'World class' £1.5m centre ready to train engineers of the future

The site is set to offer opportunities to 250 learners a year when it is completed, as well as putting more than 400 people into apprenticeships by 2021/211 and creating 18 jobs for teachers and staff at the site itself, according to plans.

According to Black Country LEP papers, it is expected that the site will ensure the Black Country 'continues to lead the local and world market' for manufacturing.

The total cost for the project comes to £1.5 million, with engineering company Hyfore and training provider In-Comm teaming up to do the bulk of the work, while the LEP has agreed to put £500,000 towards equipment costs.

An exact location has not been decided on yet.

Sarah Middleton, chief executive of the Black Country Consortium, said: "The partnership is going to develop a world class training facility to deliver outstanding training programmes to aid the industry to achieve its growth strategies through apprenticeships, skills, innovation, consultancy and recruitment.

"The industry currently must travel outside of the Black Country to access one of or some of the facilities, equipment and training programmes delivered by industry competent professionals and what the partnership want to achieve is to re-shore that provision back into the Black Country.

"The need for advanced engineering technology and programmes has increased, leaving a shortfall in industry led provision to achieve the level required.

"Effective provision in the sector needs to be extensive to match the trail blazer standards and ensure the Black Country continues to lead the local and world market through skills delivery and innovation.

"To deliver the outstanding programmes and maintain and advance high standards, learners must have access to industry standard equipment on a 1-to-1 ratio.

"To achieve this, the level of equipment purchase is extensive but essential to maintain a world leading skill base.

"The achievement of this level of advanced engineering technology training would not be possible without the support of this funding from the growth deal."

Councillor Lee Jeavons, deputy leader of Walsall Council and the authority's representative on the Black Country LEP board, said: "Anything which creates jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities, as well as bringing focus to our area, is to be welcomed.

"This will form an important part of our continued regeneration plans and aims to get as many people in Walsall and the Black Country working, training or on an apprenticeship so I am pleased that the LEP has decided to work with us."