It has been highlighted that Britain will need a total of 100,000 new graduates in ‘STEM’ (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects every year just to maintain current employment number.  In this context it is important that a pipeline of qualified engineers is brought forward to satisfy this demand.

Apprenticeships

SEMTA (the Sector Skills Council for Engineering) highlights the strong progress the East Midlands is making to close the regional engineering skills gap through the expansion of apprenticeships and is the UK’s number two performing UK region on this measure.  Lying within our area, Vision West Nottinghamshire College is one of the best performing Further Education providers in the UK.  In 2009, it was the first college in Nottinghamshire to be awarded ‘Learning and Skills Beacon’ status, which recognises excellence and innovation within the Further Education and skills sector.

Engineering at Vision West Nottinghamshire College

In 2014, VWNC opened its dedicated Engineering Innovation Centre, a £5.8m engineering and automotive hub.  The Engineering Innovation Centre delivers specific training and skills in the following areas: aerospace, polymer manufacturing, rail maintenance, motorsport and race technology, food manufacture, electrical power generation, pharmaceutical manufacture, paper manufacture and advanced automation.