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Announcement:

MIRA Technology Institute, a specialist centre for automotive skills, developed in collaboration with lead partner North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, and funded by £9.5m of Local Growth Fund via the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) to bridge the skills gap in the UK automotive sector, outlines its plans to work with industry to upskill existing engineers in preparation for the next generation of automotive advancement.

As we move into a new era of automotive engineering, experienced and highly skilled engineers are having to adapt to meet the ever-increasing needs of an evolving automotive sector. The industry is developing the next wave of diverse technologies, such as connected and autonomous vehicles, electrification and a growing reliance on cyber capabilities. This has created a new pressure for workforces and companies, as they have to remain educated and skilled in the emerging specialisms.

As a result of the implementation of the apprenticeship levy, employers will also have a larger stake in the programmes undertaken by their workforce, ensuring that courses deliver the best results for both employer and employee.

The Local Growth Minister, Jake Berry said: “We’re committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the UK and building a country that works for everyone. We’ve invested over £126m in 20 different projects in the Leicester and Leicestershire LEP.

“Through this £9.5m investment from the Local Growth Fund, the MIRA Technology Institute training centre will help train the next generation of specialists that will ensure Britain remains at the forefront of the automotive industry.”

As an employer facing institution, MIRA Technology Institute will work with companies to identify the specific needs of each workforce and develop courses targeting the areas in which they need upskilling. The unique collaboration, between lead partner North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, HORIBA MIRA, Coventry University, Loughborough University and the University of Leicester, allows the partners to pool their specialist expertise in cutting edge technologies and develop a bespoke curriculum that tackles emerging technology in the industry at all levels; delivering education for students from GCSE right through to the upskilling of established engineers.

Due to the nature of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) qualifications, MIRA Technology Institute is able to create unique courses at a high speed, meeting the needs specified by the employer.

This holistic educational approach of providing upskilling and retraining, alongside education for young people, is something that has become part of the national conversation.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds recognised the need for the implementation of this kind of model as he announced a multi-million pound funding deal to develop digital and technical training centres across the West Midlands.

MIRA Technology Institute represents the future of technical skills and training for the UK, combining education and industry to provide the necessary tools for talent in the UK automotive sector to thrive.

The Institute is set to open in September 2018. To find out more about the courses available click here.