The world‑leading smart manufacturing and engineering facilities.
The College is proud to be the first training provider in the world to host the cutting‑edge Festo FMS Industry 4.0 Product Manufacturing Factory alongside a fully equipped mechatronics suite. This remarkable “smart factory in a classroom” showcases the future of advanced manufacturing, featuring wireless connectivity and nine integrated stations that cover everything from distribution and testing to robotic assembly and automated warehousing. It gives learners hands‑on access to the technologies shaping tomorrow’s industries.
Innovative design, inspection and testing capabilities
Our CAD and Design suite immerses students in industry‑standard 2D and 3D modelling tools used by professional engineers worldwide. With the latest additive manufacturing (AM) technology, using our wide range of 3D printers, learners can create fully functional prototypes, production components, tooling, and more, which transforms their designs into reality.
The suite also features a high‑precision Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) to support advanced measurement and geometric analysis.
Enhancing these capabilities is our dedicated Inspection and Testing Lab, where students gain invaluable experience using real industry‑grade equipment to verify component accuracy, assess material performance, and ensure products meet strict engineering standards. It’s the perfect environment for developing the quality‑focused mindset demanded by top employers.
Industry‑inspired engineering workshops
Our Engineering workshop offers a dynamic, hands-on learning experience with CNC mills and lathes, a powerful press brake, and professional MIG, TIG, and MMA welding bays. A specialist electronics suite supports learning in circuit design and control systems, while a full range of traditional engineering tools enables students to master manual machining, bench fitting, assembly, and sheet‑metal fabrication.
Together, these facilities create an immersive training environment that mirrors the realities of modern industry - ensuring students progress to employment and beyond with the confidence, skills, and practical experience employers are looking for.
The Engineering Department has seen around £1m in investment over the last few years to install the latest, cutting-edge and in some cases, world first equipment. This was largely thanks to £500k in funding from the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), via its Growth deal with the Government to develop one of three advanced manufacturing training hubs in the region. The College added a further £250k investment and with gifts from a number of other companies, including Status Metrology, who put £100k towards metrology equipment and software for the College.
