A FACILITY to inspire and train the next generation of British engineers has been formally launched at Keighley Campus Leeds City College.

Dozens of guests were welcomed to the opening of the Industrial Centre of Excellence (ICE) to enjoy tours, machinery demonstrations and talks.

The ICE is a joint project involving the college, Bradford Council and Oakbank School and aims to build strong links between employers and schools, colleges and universities to improve young people's prospects and develop a skilled workforce.

The initiative is focusing on advanced manufacturing and engineering, including creative and digital technologies. Keighley Campus ICE is one of a number of Industrial Centres of Excellence being funded by Bradford Council.

Speaking at last Thursday's launch (Jan 22) ICE business operations manager Chris Stott said: "For the last 15 to 20 years engineering companies haven't been taking many people on, and they have an ageing workforce.

"We need to have at least 1.2 million engineers in the UK by 2020, so this is all about getting young people hooked on engineering.

"What we're trying to do is illustrate that engineering is a career that is well paid, diverse and has opportunities for academic growth.

"It would not be an exaggeration to say that this initiative might change the face of engineering training across the country."

Keighley town mayor councillor Graham Mitchell, who addressed guests at the launch, said Keighley already has centuries worth of heritage as a manufacturing centre, adding that the ICE would restore the link between education and manufacturing which was lost in the late 20th century.

"Today we urgently need to bring young people back into vocational work, because we need to retain the skills and the country needs the manufacturing output," he said.

"We must bring cutting edge engineering training back to the town by working with employers to make sure training is relevant to their needs."

Leeds City College senior deputy principal David Harwood said: “The college is delighted to be launching this facility which aims to entice high achieving young people and, with the support of industry, provide them with the specialist skills the engineering sector needs.”

Keighley Campus ICE features a workshop that includes high quality industry standard machinery and offers a range of courses and apprenticeships.

A board of business representatives will ensure the curriculum prepares students for real work opportunities, while dozens of additional engineering employers will offer work placements.

Board member Tim Parkinson, who is chairman of Haworth-based firm Airedale Springs, said: "Our company is delighted to be closely involved with the ICE and fully support its objectives.

“With the recent resurgence of UK manufacturing and engineering, the launch of the ICE once again provides the town with a local base for advanced engineering training.”