A University that means business
KNOWLEDGE NEWS
Multi-million pound manufacturing funding approved The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has approved £7.6 million funding for the flagship Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS) which will open for business in August 2017.
Prof. Geoff Layer and George Clarke at graduation ceremony
George Clarke visits Springfield campus
Honorary Graduate praises new Springfield Campus Architect and TV presenter George Clarke was among the inspirational people honoured by the University of Wolverhampton at this year’s graduation ceremonies. Awards were presented to individuals in recognition of their significant achievements in various fields. George Clarke, presenter of Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces, received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Technology from the Faculty of Science and Engineering. George praised the University’s plans to develop the Springfield Campus as an international centre of excellence for training in the field of construction, including the West Midlands Construction University Technical College. Following the September ceremony at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, George visited the former Springfield Brewery site, where the £70 million project is underway to transform the derelict site into a home for the University’s School of Architecture and the Built Environment. Upon receiving his honorary award, George pledged his support for the initiative: “It was
AUTUMN 2015
fabulous when I was told I’d be given this award. I will help and support in every way that I possibly can to inspire the next generation of construction-passionate people. “The University has great plans and ambitions for architectural and construction education. I think it’s brilliant the University has secured this site. To make something stack up economically and fund the purchase of something like this to bring it back into use is just amazing. “I’ve seen far too many breweries and historic sites being demolished and lost forever. This is a place that means a lot to a huge amount of people and the City of Wolverhampton.” Director of Engineering Dr Paul Lister said: “George is an inspirational figure and a genuine ambassador for architecture and the built environment.” Among those honoured alongside George Clarke at this year’s graduation ceremonies was Danella Bagnall, a leading engineering director at Jaguar Land Rover, in recognition of years working to promote careers in engineering to young women. For more information on Springfield Campus developments, visit: wlv.ac.uk/springfield
The ECMS will function as an employer-led training facility for the Black Country, designed to improve productivity and growth in the high value manufacturing sector. Training will be delivered in areas such as toolmaking, metalforming and project management, all identified as current barriers to growth in the region. The LEP has brought together partners including the University of Wolverhampton, Dudley College, Confederation of British Metalforming, Cast Metals Federation and the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers. Funding has been allocated through the LEP’s Growth Deal, with the partners’ additional £4.15 million investment bringing the total project value to £11.75 million. The project, led by the University, will regenerate two brownfield sites and install equipment and facilities across four sites in the Black Country, including the former Springfield Brewery site in Wolverhampton. Geoff Layer, the University’s ViceChancellor, said: “The project is a key strategic project in linking employers, further education and higher education in the Black Country.” For more information on the ECMS, visit: blackcountrylep.co.uk/ people-skills/elite-centre