Bosch invests in region’s automotive skills as it opens £1.5m training centre

BOSCH IS to open a new £1.5m purpose-built training centre for the delivery of automotive apprenticeship programmes and technical training.

The centre in Doncaster will be opened today by local MP Dame Rosie Winterton.

The 36,846 sq ft facility includes eight workshop areas and 12 classrooms providing training for about 300 apprentices throughout 2018, for Bosch’s partners Renault, Nissan and Suzuki.

It is expected that more than 100 automotive apprentices will qualify through the centre each year. The centre will also host technical training courses and programmes for qualified technicians on the latest technologies, as well as holding specialised sales and commercial training.

Bosch said vehicle technology was at the heart of the firm , with mobility solutions and automotive sales making up 60 per cent of the global business.

It said the investment reflects Bosch’s confidence in the UK as an important global hub for the automotive industry.

In particular, the North of England remains a key location for Bosch as it continues to develop a highly skilled technical workforce in the UK, it added,.

Dr Steffen Hoffmann, president of Bosch UK, said: “The automotive industry is currently undergoing a major technological transition, requiring additional skills.

“This new training centre will support the UK’s automotive sector to continue its role as a global industry powerhouse.

“I look forward to seeing a new generation of world-class technical experts graduating, whilst already-qualified technicians will be kept up to date with the latest technologies reinforcing the region’s global credentials as a centre of automotive excellence.”

Ms Winterton said: “Training, up-skilling and apprenticeships are a vital part of making our industries successful and competitive. I am very pleased that Bosch is locating this centre here in Doncaster.”