Funding approved for robotics training centre at West Nottinghamshire College's Sutton-in-Ashfield campus

With a total project cost of £900,000, the new training centre will focus on automation and robotics to meet the demands of local businesses and support the education of up to 470 learners.

Work will begin to re-purpose part of the engineering innovation centre, located on the college’s Sutton-in-Ashfield campus, to provide enhanced facilities for learners studying engineering, manufacturing, and distribution.

The funding will also allow the college to purchase new advanced teaching equipment.

With work due to be completed by January, the college plans to run short courses and exploratory sessions for local businesses early next year before launching its first full-time level three courses in automation and robotics from September 2021.

Andrew Cropley, college principal and chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have the backing of D2N2 for this important project and are now working in partnership with employers large and small across our communities to ensure that we turn the potential threat of losing jobs to automation into a great opportunity for local people and businesses.

“Embracing new technologies is critical if we are to play our part in making Mansfield and Ashfield thriving, prosperous communities.”