Click it and Unblock the Notifications
North East Mayor Approves Landmark £14.6M Investment In Manufacturing Skills Facility
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and local authority leaders at the North East Combined Authority are poised to approve a significant skills investment. This initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of skilled workers in electric vehicle (EV) and battery technology. The project, known as MADE NE (Manufacturing, Automation, Digitalisation, Electrification North East), is spearheaded by Nissan with partners from the automotive sector.
MADE NE will establish world-class training facilities across two sites within Sunderland's International Advanced Manufacturing Strategic Site (IAMSS). The £14.6 million project is expected to receive £9.7 million in support from the Combined Authority, as recommended in a report to the Mayor and Cabinet. These facilities will offer open access for skills training in advanced manufacturing, particularly focusing on EV and battery production.
The centre will cater to skills development from primary school education through apprenticeships and in-work learning. Additionally, it aims to support targeted industrial innovation projects with funding and equipment. The plans are set to be reviewed by the North East Combined Authority Cabinet on Tuesday 30 July.
MADE NE is the first initiative under the region’s Investment Zone: a £160 million, 10-year programme projected to create over 4,000 jobs and secure £3 billion in private sector investment. This programme underscores the region's commitment to fostering economic growth and innovation.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness stated: "In my manifesto I promised to back our world-leading automotive industry. Now we are delivering. This investment will unlock a generation of skilled workers and create opportunities for local people and businesses."
Support from Key Stakeholders
Adam Pennick, Vice President of Manufacturing at Nissan Sunderland Plant, expressed enthusiasm for the project: "To build the cars of the future, you need the skills of the future. This fantastic new facility will help find the talent, nurture the technical skills and drive the spirit of innovation that will power advanced automotive manufacturing in the UK."
Cllr Michael Mordey, Cabinet member for Finance and Investment and Leader of Sunderland City Council, highlighted Sunderland's pivotal role: "We are proud that Sunderland is the beating heart of the most important economic motor this region has... trained in the city and able to contribute to the success of this whole region."
Sustainability Goals
The plan envisions MADE NE becoming self-sustaining within five years through revenue generated from apprenticeships, sub-letting space to aligned businesses, and making Nissan’s training commercially available. This collaborative effort involves Nissan working with various partners including Sunderland City Council, Education Partnership North East (EPNE), New College Durham, AESC, Vantec, Newcastle University, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, and North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA).
This investment not only cements the North East's reputation as a leader in advanced manufacturing but also ensures that local workers have access to high-skilled jobs and training opportunities right at their doorstep.
Continue with Google