Derby College Joins Digital Engineering Academy Initiative

Following the announcement by Skills Minister Anne Milton, the Collab Group of colleges has secured funding as part of the Government's Flexible Learning Fund to deliver an innovative “Digital Engineering Academy.”

Birmingham Metropolitan College will lead the project along with fellow Collab Group members, Derby College, Middlesbrough College, Bridgwater College, and Capital City Training Group.

Vinci Construction will act as the lead employer partner and will work with our member colleges to upskill the next generation of digital engineers.

The project will support learners to develop their career prospects in digital engineering with a view to supporting the skills needs of critical UK infrastructure projects. 

The project epitomises the collaborative ethos of Collab Group colleges, who, working closely with employers, can respond to the skills and training needs of key industrial sectors.

This collaborative ethos is underscored by the range of employer endorsements that this initiative has generated; these include support from, Laing O’Rourke, East Midlands Rail, East Midlands LEP, West England LEP, Tarmac, One Awards, NSAR and NOCN, and Bam Nuttall.

The colleges will be creating the content which will be developed into rich, interactive e-learning materials by technology partner e-pearl.

Julian Gatward: Managing Director of Taylor Woodrow (Civil Engineering Division of VINCI Construction UK Ltd) said: “The Digital Engineering Academy provides a flexible, accessible and inclusive learning platform which will revolutionise the development of the next generation of construction professionals by attracting new entrants to the industry.”  

Steve Bannister, Business Development Director, Collab Group said: “This is a great opportunity for Collab Group colleges to work in partnership with Vinci Construction. Training the next generation of digital engineers will be crucial to ensure the success of key infrastructure projects across the UK, and we look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.”

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