In response to the growing demand for engineers in manufacturing and electrical sustainability and renewable energy, the college have unveiled the new Engineering and Electrical Centre - a strategic initiative aimed at closing the skills gap and preparing apprentices for careers in engineering manufacturing and electrical Installation.
Engineering and Electrical Centre Launch Day
Located at our Ruddington campus, home to Emtec, a nationally recognised specialist facility delivering automotive training in partnership with leading global car brands - the new Centre sits alongside Emtec as a distinct and dedicated space for technical education. With a major investment in traditional manufacturing machinery and modern training environments, the Centre enhances the college’s technical education offer and is set to become a regional hub for engineering and electrical apprenticeships.
We’re thrilled to launch our new Engineering and Electrical Centre - a significant milestone for local industry and skills development.
We’re especially grateful to our industry partners - with special recognition to CEMA, Charnvel, Actemium Automation, McCanns, Reckitt, and Blackburn Starling - whose support has been instrumental in shaping our apprenticeship programmes and technical training.
This isn’t just an investment in education; it’s a commitment to the future of technical excellence in Nottingham.
Lindsey Smith - Nottingham College Assistant Principal for Apprenticeships and Ruddington
The new facility features four purpose-built classrooms designed to support high-quality teaching and collaborative learning. It also includes a fully equipped engineering workshop, complete with a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining station, advanced welding bays, and a dedicated testing laboratory, offering apprentices hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies.
In addition, the Centre houses a state-of-the-art electrical workshop that provides 20 individual workstations, facilities for panel wiring, and green energy systems - reflecting the latest developments in sustainable technology.
Apprenticeships are the lifeblood of manufacturing. Facilities like Nottingham College’s new Engineering and Electrical Centre are exactly what the UK needs to meet the sector’s growing demand for skilled engineers and electrical technicians. By investing in modern, industry-aligned training environments, the college is helping to future-proof the workforce and ensure apprentices are ready to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector. We’re extremely proud to support initiatives that bring education and industry closer together.
Chris Corkan - Region Director at Midlands & East from Make UK
The Centre was officially opened on 10th September by Nottingham College CEO Janet Smith, with representatives from businesses across the region in attendance, including Make UK the manufacturers organisation, who toured the new facilities.
With the capacity to support up to 160 electrical apprentices and 150 engineering apprentices annually, the Centre delivers immersive, real-world training in environments that mirror the modern workplace, ensuring that traditional methods and modern methods are considered with a focus on practical skills.
As Head of Employer Engagement at Nottingham College, I see first-hand the impact that our facilities and curriculum have in the workplace. It is important for our relationships with local and national employers that we can listen to their needs and develop innovation such as the Engineering and Electrical Centre to benefit the future of the industry.
Maxine Blake - Head of Employer Engagement at Nottingham College
This hands-on approach is key to the centre’s success. It’s designed to give students the skills employers need today, while also keeping pace with changes in the engineering and electrical industries. By working directly with businesses, we’re making sure our training remains practical, up-to-date and focused on the future.
Educating our team, is important to us as it means we can give a better service to our customers. The better service we provide, the more repeat business we get.
It’s fantastic to have a local dedicated centre here at Nottingham College, with all the purpose made equipment and facilities. Apprentices can learn in the right conditions, setting and environment. A centre the apprentices can call home. We will get the benefit of those people and that education, leading to a better service for our customers.
By partnering with Nottingham College, we’re helping to train the next generation, while ensuring our customers continue to receive the very best service.
John McCann - Managing Director at McCann Ltd
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