An innovative enterprise is soon to get off the starting grid in Mansfield.  The Engine, a West Nottinghamshire College Centre of Vocational Excellence will open the doors to it’s new state of art Motor Engineering & Motor sport training facility at Acorn Way later this month.

The project, which will be officially opened on the 19th October, was to create a Motor Engineering & Motor Sports training centre within Mansfield to service the sectors identified training needs.  The East Midlands Development Agency (emda) identified high performance engineering as a prominent key sector with strong potential for growth, particularly with a focus on motorsport and has supported the college throughout development. 

The centre will provide a range of services to employers and individuals, all of which are aimed at improving access to skills development and industry competitiveness.  This includes specific skills training to meet individual needs, accredited provision, flexible delivery modes, and access to high technology equipment for both motor vehicle and motorcycle processes from design to servicing. The need to stimulate demand for skills through the removal of barriers and broadening access is also recognised as crucial and is a key objective for the centre. 

Support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) enabled the College to purchase a site at Acorn Way, at the heart of the local Motor Vehicle sector within Mansfield, with the funding also helping the College carry out necessary alterations, purchase equipment such as the latest vehicle diagnostic system and fund staffing. 

Head of Centre Alan Shorthose said:

“This new facility is a great opportunity for the regions development and we hope to work closely with all sectors of the local economy, including schools, to widen access to opportunities within the industry and to promote training, development and structured career paths.  This will include training apprenticeships and work experience placements.  We are also hear to support local employers to integrate new technologies into business and our open day is an ideal opportunity to see some exciting new equipment”.

The Engine is to open the state of the art facilities to the public between 10am & 2pm on Wednesday the 19th October with the official launch at 1pm.