Ambitious plans to build a £16m technical training hub in Stafford have taken a major step forward with the acquisition of key land and announcement of a significant new partner.
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) has secured a site where the new Institute of Technology (IoT) is expected to open in 2024.
Meanwhile, leading logistics property developer and manager St. Modwen Logistics has joined public and private sector partners backing the project, including Keele University, Burton and South Derbyshire College, Axia Solutions, Siemens, Moog Aircraft Group, Dell and Hitachi Energy.
The purpose-built centre will focus on education and technical training in construction, engineering, manufacturing, digital and health. It’s expected St. Modwen Logistics will provide further opportunities to develop skills in the built environment, sustainability and innovation. Partners will help design and develop education and training which meets employers’ skills needs.
Polly Troughton, Managing Director of St. Modwen Logistics, said: “We are passionate about nurturing the next generation of talent to support our rapidly growing industry.
“The opportunity to help shape the curriculum means we will be able to equip students with the development and construction skills needed to support this growth and play our part in creating a high-wage, high-skill economy in the region.”
NSCG will pave the way for the IoT development by demolishing existing buildings and relocating its Construction and Engineering facilities from the newly-acquired site at Palmbourne Industrial Estate to a brand new facility on its main Stafford campus in June 2023.
The new IoT will eventually become one of just 21 similar facilities across the country
