The advanced technical skills centre provides innovative training to the construction, manufacturing, digital and science sectors.
iMET (innovation, manufacturing, engineering, technology) aims to address the identified skills gaps in these sectors by training both the existing workforce and providing a pipeline of future talent, through a range of apprenticeships and short training courses tailored to the individual needs of business throughout both Alconbury Weald, and across the East of England.
The construction and fit-out of iMET was supported through £10.5 million from the Local Growth Fund, via Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, with land provided by Urban&Civic plc.
The launch event took place last Friday (15th June) where guests enjoyed a tour of the facility to see first-hand the latest techniques involved in delivering innovative training.
Mayor James Palmer of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority officially opened the centre alongside Jonathan Djanogly MP for Huntingdonshire. Guests included key stakeholders Cambridge Regional College, Peterborough Regional College, Huntingdonshire District Council and Urban&Civic and many businesses from the region that iMET is working in collaboration with to develop appropriate training for industry.
Minister for Local Growth, Jake Berry, said: “We are committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the UK and building a country that works for everyone. Through this £10.5m investment from the local growth fund, businesses in Alconbury Weald and across the East of England will benefit from a wealth of training opportunities and access to the next generation of highly skilled apprentices.”
Mark Robertson, Principal and Chief Executive at Cambridge Regional College and a Board Member of iMET, was extremely enthusiastic about the development of the centre, saying “This innovative new training facility offers the highest standard of training to meet the skills required by employers in key sectors, whilst also providing an exciting career path for young people in the region.”
Terry Jones, Principal of Peterborough Regional College and a Board Member of iMET said: “We’re delighted to be at the heart of this exciting new collaboration. By joining forces with our colleagues in CRC we effectively double the catchment area for students, create the most extensive employer network in Eastern England and combine our investment power to deliver game-changing innovation in skills training.”
Joanne Sainsbury, Managing Director of iMET welcomed guests, saying “The future of engineering and manufacture in the region is bright. We are committed to building strong relationships with local and regional businesses, to develop and deliver innovative training in a professional environment, and contribute to successful growth in these technical sectors. For the individual, this is a great opportunity to access an alternative career path into the exciting world of design, innovation and problem solving.
Image (L-R): Terry Jones, Mark Robertson, Mayor James Palmer, Jo Sainsbury, Jonathan Djanogly MP and John Turznyski