The CEO of Birkenhead’s newly rebranded Engineering College Terry Weston is calling on Chancellor Philip Hammond to make a firm commitment to the engineering and industrial sectors in the 2016 Autumn Statement.
“One of the North West region’s greatest challenges involves plugging a massive engineering skills shortage,” he said. “Meanwhile the success of UK’s future industrial strategy is underpinned by efficient talent development. We are currently training 330 apprentices at the Engineering College and we believe passionately in high-level skill development to maximise the potential of our region. We would like to see the chancellor make a firm commitment to the engineering and industrial sectors with policies which promote skill development from grass roots right the way up.
“In recent months we have seen bold commitments to significant international infrastructure projects including Hinkley Point, Heathrow’s third runway and HS2. However, we also need greater investment in North West infrastructure including road and rail links. This is a real opportunity for the chancellor to throw his weight behind the Northern Powerhouse and the North’s place in the emerging industrial strategy. As the former Secretary of State for Transport we expect significant focus on transport infrastructure projects to boost the construction industry.”