Kirklees College wants to help lead an economic recovery in engineering and manufacturing across West Yorkshire.

As one of the leading providers in the region, the Huddersfield-based college is making a valuable contribution to industry with its accredited full-time study programmes and apprenticeships.

The college works in partnership with renowned national and local employers, such as Coca Cola, Hovis, Fox’s Biscuits and Reliance Precision Limited to deliver specialist training opportunities that equip young people with the skills needed to address the demand for workers in manufacturing, construction and engineering.

The £7.5m Engineering Centre in Huddersfield offers state-of-the-art equipment and expert tuition with large training workshops for CNC, manufacturing, mechanical and electrical engineering, electronics, fabrication and welding, automotive and process manufacturing.

David Doran, head of faculty for engineering at Kirklees College, said: “With an established network of employer partners and a fantastic reputation for apprenticeships in the region, we are at the forefront of driving the recruitment initiative in the engineering and manufacturing industry.

“Our flagship centres for engineering and process manufacturing are a direct result of what can be achieved when the business and education sector collaborate to produce high calibre candidates and ongoing education and training for a fast-paced industry.”

Speaking about his experience with Kirklees College, Robert Farrell, training school team leader at Fenay Bridge-based Reliance Precision Limited, said: “We have reaped the benefits of hiring apprentices as they have learnt the specialist skills needed to produce high-quality and accurate work.

“The programme has allowed us to sustain our business and plan for future growth, both of which have only been possible through the apprenticeship programme.”

For more information about engineering and manufacturing at Kirklees College, please visit https://www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk/centres-facilities/engineering-centre/