£10m engineering college to welcome industry leaders for open event

COLEG CAMBRIA (@colegcambria) will showcase the industry-leading apprenticeships and facilities available at its £10m engineering complex in Wrexham.

The college’s Bersham Road site hosts an employer event from 5.30pm to 8pm on Wednesday (May 26).

Organisations can view the cutting-edge equipment and machinery while finding out more about the bespoke qualifications and courses which can be tailored to meet demand for skilled workers.

There will also be an opportunity to explore the new electric and hybrid vehicle training area, focused on helping the UK meet the 2030 deadline to transition from petrol and diesel to fossil-free, zero-emission travel.

The site – which includes the Institute of Technology (IoT) – also delivers programmes in engineering, manufacturing, construction and built environment, fabrication and welding and automotive vehicle studies.

Karl Jackson, Assistant Principal for the IoT, looks forward to welcoming companies from relevant sectors to forge new partnerships in the years ahead, alongside Curriculum Directors Carl Roberts (Engineering) and Nick Povey (Construction).

Carl said: “We work closely with industry to develop our curriculum because ultimately we want students and apprentices to be ‘job ready’ when they complete their studies with us.

“Together we offer real-life real-time experience that will enable them to slot straight into the workplace, so there is no better preparation for their future careers.”

Karl added: “Bersham Road is still something of a hidden gem; the advances we have made and machinery our learners operate is world-leading, and we are developing all the time.

“As we begin to see green shoots of recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic, this is a chance for companies across the region and beyond to build back and look ahead to the future of their industries.

“There is demand for skilled workers and apprentices, and we can help deliver the very best.”

Recent figures from the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW) revealed a 40% rise in the number of businesses wanting to engage with apprenticeships, with construction the most popular sector.

The open evening will include talks and information on funding, short courses, work placements and community initiatives.

Attendees are asked to book in advance to ensure Covid-19 health and safety measures are adhered to, including social distancing and wearing of face coverings (unless exempt).