Nelson and Colne College Group (NCCG) has successfully launched its first Industry Innovation Hub (IIH) at a dedicated event aimed at strengthening connections between education and businesses.
The initiative focuses on fostering greater collaboration among schools, colleges, and industry to nurture the region’s future workforce.
By engaging young talent from primary school through to industry, the initiative aims to develop the next generation of engineers, to meet the region’s ever-growing needs.
The new concept saw the official opening of the new £3 million engineering centre – featuring industry standard facilities focused on CNC machining, manual milling, manual turning, fabrication and welding, with plans to add an aeronautical section.
The IIHs will differ from other initiatives by offering a minimum of 35 hours’ work experience in Lancashire businesses – strengthening the partnerships between students and employers and offering work-ready skills.
Following a rousing panel discussion featuring second year T Level student Leo Kenyan, industry expert Prof. Annette Weekes MBE and Dr Susan Scurlock MBE Chief Executive at Primary Engineering, the speakers highlighted the need for more apprenticeship placements – which resulted in businesses pledging to support the college by offering industry experience, aligning training with real-world workforce needs.
Group Executive Director, Strategy & Transformation for NCCG Morag Davis, said:
“The event has been a great success. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and commitment shown by all involved. It is essential that we take actionable steps to build on this momentum and ensure the continued success of the Innovation and Industry Hub (IIH).
“By collaborating and bringing employers into the room with educators, we are forging stronger links between students and employers to ensure both parties are getting the most from the experience.
“Nelson and Colne College Group are committed to providing industry-standard facilities that reflect the demands of the modern workplace. Our focus is on innovation and excellence, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in future industries – and these Industry Innovation Hubs will galvanise our commitment to providing the best opportunities for everyone.”
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 MBE said:
"Investing in the next generation of engineering apprentices, indeed all technical students, isn’t just about shaping skilled individuals; it’s about securing the future of innovation and our local economy.
“By engaging with and supporting young talent, local businesses can create a pipeline of expertise that benefits everyone. I think what the college is doing, brining educators, students and business together is vitally important."
Rooms within the former engineering building include an electrical engineering lab, mechatronics lab, materials testing lab and additive manufacturing – all built and kitted out with guidance from local employers.
The hubs not only give students the opportunity to gain real-life skills and work closely with employers, but they also enable employers to help develop the future workforce to address their own skills requirements.
The hubs will see Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) and Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels) learners on courses co-developed and co-delivered with input from industry experts to ensure they reflect the needs of employers both now and in the future.
The first hub will be followed by a Digital Industry Innovation Hub and Business Industry Innovation Hub in the first half of 2025, with more to follow each year.
If your business would like to be involved in developing links with Nelson and Colne College Group’s Industry Innovation Hubs, please contact christopher.mayoh@nelsongroup.ac.uk
https://www.nelsongroup.ac.uk/