NTU pledges £1m as part of skills ‘renaissance’ in Notts
AIM OF THE NEW TRAINING CENTRE IS TO BOOST JOBS MARKET ACROSS REGION
NOTTINGHAM Trent University has pledged £1 million towards plans for an automated distribution and manufacturing centre in Ashfield.
The new centre is part of investment by Ashfield District Council from the recently-secured £62.6 million Towns Fund, aimed at boosting growth across the district.
It will be based either in Sutton or Kirkby and has the possibility of boosting the jobs market across Mansfield and Ashfield, with the university putting its weight behind the proposals. The site will be a training centre for construction and civil engineering students.
It comes as part of wider investment by the university into both the Mansfield and Ashfield districts, partnering with Vision West Nottinghamshire College (VWNC) as part of a new technology and skills hub.
The university is currently operating further education courses at the college’s Derby Road site, while further investment into the skills hub will boost the Chesterfield Road campus.
The investment follows a roundtable discussion between the university and local leaders, including Councillor Ben Bradley, MP for Mansfield and leader of Nottinghamshire County Council.
Speaking on the boost, Professor Edward Peck, vice-chancellor at NTU, said the two projects will be “the renaissance of Mansfield and Ashfield”.
He said: “NTU’S developments in Mansfield and Ashfield over the last two years bring together the values, expertise and experience of NTU in two towns where previously we had limited presence.
“Our programme of work has been discussed with and shaped by the voices of local authorities, businesses and third sector organisations.
“This is why I am delighted to announce our £1 million additional investment to support Ashfield Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre, a project which is crucial to the future prosperity of the area.
“Our recent round-table was another step on that journey of engagement with our partners in defining the best way of NTU supporting the renaissance of Mansfield and Ashfield.”
Councillor Ben Bradley MP added that the plans alongside the university will help to provide “jobs of the future” across both districts.
He said: “NTU’S expanded presence in Mansfield and Ashfield is a welcome boost to the area as we look to revive the economy following the Covid-19 pandemic.
“NTU and Vision West Nottinghamshire College are rolling out a wide range of higher level technical courses that will equip people of all ages with the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
“As the MP for Mansfield, and as the Government’s ambassador on further education, I look forward to continuing to work closely with NTU and VWNC to help drive the economic prosperity of the region.”
It is understood that, through both the skills hub and the manufacturing centre, businesses across the districts will receive a “fantastic opportunity” for companies in the area.
Natalie Gasson-mckinley is development manager for the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, Federation of Small Business.
She said: “Businesses in the region are eager to hire people with the skills they need to make their business a success.
“This is more important than ever following the disruption Covid-19 has brought upon the business and education sectors.”