Yesterday (24 September), Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) teamed up with three fellow Technical Excellence Colleges to highlight the contribution manufacturing makes to the UK economy and the value of developing a skilled workforce as part of National Manufacturing Day celebrations.

The Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) partnership brings together Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group, City of Wolverhampton College, New College Durham and the Weston College Group.

By working with employers from aerospace, defence, engineering and advanced manufacturing, the partnership aims to combat skills shortage and make sure training prepares people to enter the world of work and meet the demands of modern industry.

AMTEC facilitates colleges and employers working together to improve the curriculum, workforce training and career pathways for students.

The partnership allows knowledge and expertise to be shared across the country which AMTEC partners believe to be essential as manufacturing continues to evolve through advances in automation, digital technologies and sustainable production.

In a joint statement on behalf of the AMTEC partnership, representatives from the four colleges said: "Manufacturers across the UK need a steady supply of skilled engineers, technicians and production specialists.

"Through AMTEC, colleges and employers are working together to ensure technical education reflects the skills businesses need now and, in the years, ahead.

"By sharing expertise, strengthening employer engagement and improving routes into manufacturing careers, we can help learners develop the capabilities employers are looking for while supporting the long-term growth of the sector.

"National Manufacturing Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of UK manufacturing and inspire the next generation of talent."

AMTEC works with employers to make sure that education provided by the colleges is aligned with industry requirements.

Siemens Digital Industries is one of the employer partners involved in the scheme.

David Thomas, People & Business Support Manager at Siemens Digital Industries, Congleton said: "Manufacturing is changing fast, creating exciting opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build rewarding careers.

"By bringing industry and technical education closer together, we can equip the next generation with the skills needed for the technologies of tomorrow.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to inspire new talent, strengthen UK productivity and create a more sustainable future for our communities, businesses and wider economy."

This article is sponsored by NSCG.

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