Four Technical Excellence Colleges Unite to Strengthen The Future of UK Manufacturing
24 September 2026
Four of England's Technical Excellence Colleges have joined forces on National Manufacturing Day to highlight the contribution manufacturing makes to the UK economy and the importance of developing the skilled workforce the sector needs.
The Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) partnership brings together City of Wolverhampton College, Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group, New College Durham and the Weston College Group. Working alongside employers from aerospace, defence, engineering and advanced manufacturing, the partnership aims to help tackle skills shortages and ensure training reflects the needs of modern industry.
Supported by the Department for Education's Technical Excellence College programme, AMTEC enables colleges and employers to work together on curriculum development, workforce training and career pathways for learners.
The partnership combines expertise from across the North East, North West, Midlands and South West, with colleges sharing knowledge, industry insight and best practice to strengthen manufacturing and engineering education.
A Shared Commitment to Developing Manufacturing Skills
As manufacturing continues to evolve through advances in automation, digital technologies and sustainable production, AMTEC partners believe closer collaboration between education providers and employers is essential.
In a joint statement on behalf of the AMTEC partnership, representatives from the four colleges said:
"Manufacturers across the UK need a steady supply of skilled engineers, technicians and production specialists. Through AMTEC, colleges and employers are working together to ensure technical education reflects the skills businesses need now and, in the years, ahead.
By sharing expertise, strengthening employer engagement and improving routes into manufacturing careers, we can help learners develop the capabilities employers are looking for while supporting the long-term growth of the sector. National Manufacturing Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of UK manufacturing and inspire the next generation of talent."
Industry Support
AMTEC works with employers to help ensure technical education remains aligned with industry requirements
Siemens Digital Industries is among the employer partners, supporting initiatives that help develop the future workforce for aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
David Thomas, People & Business Support Manager at Siemens Digital Industries, Congleton said: “Manufacturing is changing fast, creating exciting opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build rewarding careers. By bringing industry and technical education closer together, we can equip the next generation with the skills needed for the technologies of tomorrow. It's a fantastic opportunity to inspire new talent, strengthen UK productivity and create a more sustainable future for our communities, businesses and wider economy.”
National Collaboration
Bringing together four colleges from across England, AMTEC provides a platform for sharing expertise in advanced manufacturing education.
Through joint curriculum development, staff collaboration and employer engagement, the partnership is helping colleges respond to changing industry requirements and support the development of future manufacturing talent.
On National Manufacturing Day, AMTEC is highlighting the value of manufacturing to the UK economy and the importance of investing in the workforce that will support the sector's future success
Joining AMTEC as an Education Delivery partner, Darran Marks, Director of
Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology said:
“We saw this as an exceptional opportunity to help shape AMTEC’s reputation for delivering technical excellence across the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Creating innovative solutions for employers and expanding skills development opportunities aligns closely with the ambitions of both Solihull College and University Centre and GBSIoT. Through collaboration with experienced regional and national partners, we can drive meaningful workforce development, showcase the Midlands as a centre of innovation, and create lasting value for industry. Together, we see significant potential for mutual growth and to play a leading role in the skills revolution”
Iain Glendinning, Deputy Principal Curriculum and Quality at Stoke on Trent College added:
"At Stoke-on-Trent College National Manufacturing Day is about celebrating the industries that have shaped our region past and continue to drive its future. As a college, supporting manufacturing is at the beating heart of our mission. From our world-famous ceramics sector to the cutting-edge technologies transforming advanced manufacturing, we are proud to work alongside exceptional employers to develop the workforce of tomorrow.
By providing high-quality technical education and industry-focused skills, we help connect learners with exciting and rewarding careers while supporting the continued success, innovation and competitiveness of one of our region’s most important sectors."
Offering support as a key employer partner, Richard Hickman, Senior Director of Planning at Indurent said: “Our customers in advanced manufacturing tell us the same thing again and again. Finding people with the right skills is one of their biggest challenges. Colleges can't solve that alone, and neither can employers. Real collaboration between the two gives learners a clear view of what modern manufacturing looks like and the skills to build lasting careers. That is why we're proud to support the Technical Excellence Centre and help connect its students with businesses across our Staffordshire sites."
For further information on the AMTEC partnership, please contact:
Claire Bailey, Senior Marketing and PR Officer: claire.bailey@nscg.ac.uk