Keighley College has officially opened its new Technical Engineering Centre (TEC), a ‘state of the art’ facility designed to equip apprentices with the skills needed for modern engineering and manufacturing environments. The opening ceremony was attended by Michael Parkinson, a stalwart of the local manufacturing industry and former head of
Airedale Springs, whose association with the college spans more than 50 years.
The multi-million-pound centre forms part of the Providence Park industrial development on the former Universal Mills site at Dalton Lane and Bradford Road. Costing £12 million, the development was partially funded by £6.5 million from the Keighley Towns Fund, with around half of that investment used to build the TEC.
Purpose-built to meet the needs of local employers, the centre can accommodate up to 120 learners at any one time. Its lower floor houses a fully equipped engineering workshop, while the upper level features a future technologies lab with a laser cutter, printing machines and testing equipment, alongside two IT rooms and a dedicated teaching space.
Proud industrial heritageKelly-Marie McAllister, the director of apprenticeships at Keighley College, said: “It is wonderful to see this facility up and running, which will help the district build on its proud industrial heritage to meet the evolving challenges of the 21st century. Engineering and manufacturing are crucial parts of Yorkshire’s economy and we are fortunate to have so many innovative companies in our midst, but right now they are struggling to recruit enough of the skilled workers that they need.
“That is where apprenticeships, and targeted training, have such a key role to play. The new engineering centre has been kitted out in consultation with local employers to ensure it is designed appropriately, with industry leading equipment, to help tackle skills shortages head-on.”
Tim Rogers, chair of the Keighley Towns Fund, added: “The fund has driven this project through from inception, so to see it officially open and transform not only the centre of Keighley, but also the future of local people is fantastic. The new TEC represents an incredible skills and training opportunity for the town, and we know the many cohorts that will come through the door will benefit over the years.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s lead Member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: “Keighley has always had a proud manufacturing and engineering heritage. This new centre will allow local people to learn highly specialised skills and create employment opportunities for the future. Alongside the new ‘state of the art’ TEC, Providence Place is also home to five new buildings housing 23 industrial units. We expect about 100 jobs will be created in total across the whole site.”