�5 million manufacturing training hub breaks ground

The state-of-the-art NPMC aims to help equip the region�s chemical, pharmaceutical and food manufacturing sectors with the next generation of skilled workers to replace a generally ageing workforce over the coming decade.

The NPMC is being developed by Kirklees College in partnership with Kirklees Council, a host of manufacturing companies and industry support groups. It will stand alongside the college�s existing engineering centre at Turnbridge Road, off St Andrew�s Road, Turnbridge.

The NPMC, is scheduled to be available for training in early 2016 and is expected to create 26 jobs, including construction workers, technicians, teaching and administration staff and take 800 additional new learners over a period of four years.

Kirklees College principal Peter McCann said: �This is an important development to provide specialist local training for major employers vital to the economy of Kirklees and the Leeds City Region.

�I am extremely grateful for the support the college has received from a wide range of employers, Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and Kirklees Council without any of whom we would not have been able to get to this position today.�

The NPMC will include state-of-the-art control systems, classrooms, workshops, chemistry laboratory and IT facilities as well as sharing some of the resources available at the neighbouring engineering centre.

The project has been awarded �3.1m capital funding from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP). This will be added to �5m funds from lthe College and from local businesses.