Major Employers Unite to Support NSCG’s Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College
12 November 2026
Global energy technology GE Vernova has joined a growing coalition of leading employers supporting Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group’s (NSCG) new Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC), strengthening plans to create a national centre of excellence for advanced manufacturing skills in Stafford.
Following the announcement in April that NSCG had been selected as one of just four national Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence Colleges in England, a coalition of industry leaders is now helping shape the ambitious programme designed to transform advanced manufacturing skills across the region and beyond.
The latest milestone sees GE Vernova formally confirmed as a Lead Partner, joining organisations, including Siemens, Hitachi, Indurent, KUKA Robotics, KMF, MOOG, Hills Helicopters, Neida and the Ministry of Defence, in supporting the development of the new facility through a combination of expertise, investment and industry insight.
Collectively, these organisations are helping to ensure the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) reflects current and emerging industry needs, creating clear progression routes into skilled employment while strengthening the talent pipeline for the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector.
The new proposed £10M Advanced Manufacturing Hub will be located adjacent to the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology (IoT) on Castle Street in Stafford and is expected to be operational by 2028/29. The facility will bring together education and industry to provide learners with access to specialist training, equipment and expertise aligned to the future needs of advanced manufacturing.
Craig Hodgson, Principal & Chief Executive of NSCG, said: "The real strength of AMTEC lies in the breadth of industry support we have secured. GE Vernova's commitment is an important milestone, but it sits alongside the significant contributions being made by partners including Siemens, Hitachi, Indurent, KUKA Robotics, MOOG, Hills Helicopters, Neida and the Ministry of Defence, alongside many local SMEs.
Together, these organisations are helping us create a Technical Excellence College that genuinely reflects employer needs and provides learners with access to industry-leading expertise, equipment and opportunities."
Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford, Eccleshall and the villages, added: “It is fantastic to see major global employers making this significant commitment to Stafford and to the future of advanced manufacturing skills in our area.
“Having these employers at the heart of the Technical Excellence College will give local young people and adults the opportunity to develop the specialist skills that leading businesses need, while opening the door to well-paid, highly skilled careers.
“I was incredibly proud to support NSCG’s successful bid earlier this year, and this latest announcement is another important milestone for the project. It’s great to see major employers putting their weight behind the vision and helping to create new opportunities for people across Staffordshire. I look forward to seeing the partnerships develop and the benefits it will bring to our local economy for years to come.”
NSCG currently supports 1,150 learners on advanced manufacturing programmes and partners with 240 advanced manufacturing businesses. With 92% of students progressing into related employment, apprenticeships or further study, the College already has a strong track record of working with major employers including GE Vernova, Siemens, Hitachi, Indurent, KUKA Robotics, KMF, MOOG and the Ministry of Defence.
The Technical Excellence College will build on this existing expertise and employer network, bringing together industry and education partners to strengthen the skills pipeline across the West Midlands and North West manufacturing corridors.