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The West Midlands Combined Authority has recently achieved a significant milestone in the completion of its City Learning Quarter project. The completion of the first phase has seen the opening of the Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre at the City of Wolverhampton College after 11 months of construction and £8.1 million in funding.

The project received £7.7 million from the West Midlands Combined Authority, with the remaining funding coming from the Black Country LEP. In addition, the overall City Learning Quarter project has benefitted from a substantial £49 million investment from the UK Government.

The newly opened centre is designed to focus on engineering and the automotive industry, catering to the study of electric, hybrid, and traditional vehicles. The centre also offers facilities for fabrication, manufacturing, welding, CAD, and robotics.

Recognising the existing skills shortage in Wolverhampton, the centre aims to help residents develop skills in these crucial areas, ultimately contributing to the creation of a capable and adaptable workforce. It is anticipated that the centre will accommodate 5,500 learners and 954 apprenticeships within its first decade of operation.

In a statement, Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, expressed the importance of investing in innovation for the future of manufacturing in the region. He highlighted the role of the Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre in keeping the West Midlands manufacturing sector competitive and ensuring that residents are equipped with the necessary skills for new job opportunities.

The next phase of the City Learning Quarter project involves the development of a city centre campus for the college, enabling a transition from its current outdated site. This phase will also include transformative works on the Adult Education Wolverhampton and Central Library facilities, with an expected completion date of September 2025.

Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills at City of Wolverhampton Council, Cllr Chris Burden, emphasised the significance of the City Learning Quarter in providing a top-class education and skills offer to students and residents. He also noted the project’s alignment with Wolverhampton’s reputation as a leader in green industries, further supported by the development of the Green Innovation Corridor as part of the West Midlands Investment Zone.

Overall, the completion of the Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre marks a major achievement for the West Midlands Combined Authority and paves the way for an enhanced learning environment and increased opportunities for the residents of Wolverhampton.

Image credit: iStock and West Midlands Combined Authority