New Duchy College centre in Stoke Climsland targets skills cold spot

There is a new place in east Cornwall where the engineers and mechanics of the future can get their hands on the kit they will use in the job.

Duchy College Stoke Climsland has officially opened its new Engineering Skills Centre. It gives students and apprentices modern facilities and hands-on training aimed at careers across Cornwall’s engineering and motor vehicle industries.

The centre also opens the door for local employers to work more closely with the college, helping to build the skills pipeline and the workforce businesses across Cornwall need.

Practical skills employers are looking for

Darren Evans, Principal of Duchy College, said the centre was about getting students ready for work.

“The new Engineering Skills Centre gives our students the opportunity to develop the practical, industry-focused skills that employers are looking for,” he said. “We want them to leave us with the confidence, experience and technical knowledge they need to progress into the industry and build successful careers.”

Local businesses and industry representatives toured the facilities at the launch, saw students in action and looked at the opportunities available to them at the college.

Opened by Ben Maguire MP

The centre was officially opened by Ben Maguire MP.

“Engineering and motor vehicle skills are vital to Cornwall’s economy, so it is great to see investment that gives people the chance to build those skills locally,” he said. “I’ve been clear that getting more young people into work, with hands-on, practical careers like these, is essential to driving down the number of NEETs and boosting Cornwall’s workforce.

“This new skills centre brings education and industry much closer together, and I’m sure it will help lots of young people and adult learners have the opportunities they need to build up successful careers for years to come.”

Filling the cold spots in east Cornwall

The centre has modern facilities for students and apprentices on engineering and motor vehicle courses, with practical learning designed to prepare them for employment and further study. The launch showed off the state-of-the-art equipment learners can work with, the same kind of tools and technology used across both industries.

Rob Bosworth, CEO of Cornwall College Group, said the investment was part of a wider plan.

“In line with our place-based strategy we are looking to fill the cold spots of skills provision across Cornwall,” he explained. “This significant investment in the new skills centre is a direct response to employer need and learner aspiration for the East of Cornwall.”

Built with local employers

Details of the courses on offer can be found at duchy.ac.uk.

Alan Austin, Deputy Principal of Duchy College Stoke Climsland, said the training had been shaped by the businesses it is meant to serve.

“We’ve worked closely with industry and local employers to understand current and future skills need, ensuring our training prepares learners for successful careers and helps businesses access the skilled workforce they need.”