Work starts on new college
A NEW college and training centre is being built in the Hinckley area.
The MIRA Technology Institute (MTI) will equip technical specialists and engineers with the skills needed in the automotive sector, in areas such as electrification and driverless car technology.
The 24,500 square foot facility will represent a total investment of £9.5 million, and is due to open in September 2018.
It follows research by the Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) to identify future skills needs. As a developing Enterprise Zone, it will focus on auto sector research and development.
MSC-level courses will be on offer from HORIBA MIRA, as well as BTECs and EAL-accredited courses for entry-level engineers, delivered by North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College.
Masters-level qualifications, including Level 6+ Automotive Degree Apprenticeships and the world’s first foundation degree in Metrology, will be delivered by Coventry University.
Loughborough University will deliver post-graduate and MSc qualifications, focused on powertrain simulation and testing, including hybrid and pure electric vehicles.
In addition, a doctoral school will operate from MTI, working with the university partners to deliver research programmes leading to PhDs.
Advanced structural dynamic and engineering management courses, up to MSc level, will be delivered by University of Leicester.
The MTI is intended to provide a facility aligned with the government’s new Industrial Strategy Green Paper, in creating a sector-focused technology institute.
The Leicester and Leicestershire LEP Growth Deal Fund is providing the investment, backed by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.
Claire Perry MP, minister of state for Climate Change & Industry, visited the MIRA Technology Park, along with Marion Plant, chief executive at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College.
Ms Plant said: “I am delighted the vision the College had for an advanced institute of technology is coming to fruition with the commencement of the building phase.
“As the lead partner, North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College has been instrumental in the project design and delivery and we are thrilled with the rapid progress now being made.
“This project will help us to meet the demand for engineers regionally, nationally and globally by building a core skill set that will help to create future growth, employment and wealth.
“It is a leading model that could easily be extended to other sectors.”