ENGINEERING training has returned to the Aire Valley, with a new Industrial Centre of Excellence opening its doors in Keighley.

The new centre, called the ICE for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (Creative & Digital Technologies), known as CE:AME, aims to develop young people’s skills to help a rapidly expanding local engineering and manufacturing sector and meet the increasing demand for workers.

Engineering is a government priority and 13 per cent of Bradford area jobs are in manufacturing and engineering and numbers are rising.

The new centre was recently launched by Leeds City College’s Keighley Campus in partnership with Bradford Council and Oakbank School, at an event attended by Keighley Town Mayor Coun Graham Mitchell.

It provides a hi-tech modern engineering and manufacturing training centre with a fully fitted workshop with industry standard machinery and equipment.

Working in conjunction with key local employers, the ICE offers a diverse range of courses and apprenticeships providing skills training and work experience.

A board of business representatives helps ensure the curriculum is relevant and prepares students for real work opportunities; and more than 40 engineering employers are also offering work placement opportunities.

Tim Parkinson, ICE board member and chairman of Howarth-based Airedale Springs, said: “Airedale Springs is delighted to be closely involved with the ICE and fully support its objectives. With the recent resurgence of manufacturing and engineering in the UK, the launch of the ICE once again provides the town with a local base for advanced engineering training.”

“The ICE will provide a resource for local engineering companies and their apprentices to develop their skills required for the future.”

Coun Ralph Berry, Bradford Council portfolio holder for children’s services, added: “Industrial Centres of Excellence are a very innovative way in which we can match education with the economic needs of our district.“The new Centre of Excellence will offer young people an exciting new way of developing their skills and learning.”

The CE:AME is one of several ICEs funded by Bradford Council. They bring together educational and business partners to improve entry into key sectors and increase opportunities and skill levels for 14-19 year olds, while meeting the needs of employers.

David Harwood, Leeds City College senior deputy principal, 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 and technical attributes the engineering sector needs.”

The ICE board also includes representatives from Advanced Actuators, Byworth Boilers, Guyson Ltd, Metalcraft Europe Ltd,Principle Healthcare and Keighley Laboratories