Industry event shines light on Nelson and Colne College’s Innovation Hub

Nelson and Colne College Group (NCCG) launched its first Industry Innovation Hub at a special breakfast event to strengthen links between businesses and education.

The focus of the engineering event was to create greater collaboration between schools, colleges and industry to build opportunities for the region’s future workforce.

Representatives from BAE Systems, Safran and Fort Vale and other engineering firms joined local schools to listen to how the initiative is aimed at creating a new generation of engineers.

It is hoped that by engaging young talent within schools this will put them on a pathway to employment and also support meeting the region’s needs as more young people will be entering the sector with advanced knowledge and technical skills.

During a stirring panel debate featuring second year T Level student Leo Kenyon, expert Prof Annette Weekes of PDS Engineering and Dr Susan Scurlock chief executive at Primary Engineer, the speakers highlighted the need for more T Level placements.

And the first example of collaboration took place at the event when some businesses pledged to support the college by offering industry experience, aligning training with real-world workforce needs.

Morag Davies, senior leader at NCCG, said she felt ‘buoyant’ after the event.

She said: “It has been absolutely fantastic, the input has been great and there is a really positive response from the schools.

“It’s clear we are on the same page and want to achieve the same thing.

“We are at the beginning of our journey to bringing learners and employers together so we can do the best for young people, making sure they have the skills they need in order to prepare them for the workforce.

“There are so many ways you can get involved if you are an employer or a school.

“This could include a range of different activities, including going into schools to talk to the future workforce, as we have a fantastic bespoke offer, we deliver within each of our schools.

“We are asking employers to link in with us and find ways that can help enrich, shape and deliver a curriculum in a way that is going to keep it relevant and ensure these young people have the skills that employers tell us they need.”

Panellist Gareth Jackson, deputy head at Park High School, said: “This event has been great and it’s important that the work started today continues and doesn’t just stay in the conference room.

“Putting schools and businesses together in a room at the same time - not something that we get the opportunity to do - has meant both sides have gained a better understanding of what each of us requires and what our students need to be the engineers of the future. It has been invaluable.

“We will certainly go away from this having made excellent connections into the local businesses to enhance the future prospects of our students.”

Prof. Annette Weekes added: “When we invest in the next generation of employees, we are not just supporting skilled individuals but also helping the future of our economy.

“The Innovation Hub is a great idea and by looking after young talent we are opening a pipeline of expertise for businesses.

“Nelson and Colne College is doing a fantastic thing to bring together educators and businesses and building a bright future for engineering.”

The event saw the official opening of the new £3 million engineering centre – featuring departments focused on CNC machining, manual milling, manual turning, fabrication and welding, with plans to add an aeronautical section.

The Industry Innovation Hubs will differ from other initiatives by offering work experience in Lancashire businesses – strengthening the partnerships between students and employers and offering work-ready skills.

Facilities at the college include an electrical engineering lab, mechatronics lab, materials testing lab and additive manufacturing – all built and kitted out with guidance from local employers.

If your business would like to be involved in developing links with Nelson and Colne College Group’s Industry Innovation Hubs, contact [email protected]