University of Wolverhampton to spend £12m training next generation of engineers

The multi-million pound investment will see the university turn one of its campuses into a centre of excellence.

The centre will include a Formula One wind tunnel.

Most of the cash will be spent at the university's Telford Innovation Campus.

But a six-figure sum will also go on improving chemical engineering facilities at its city centre campus in Wolverhampton.

Experts estimate there will be a shortfall of around 200,000 qualified engineers across the country by 2020.

The new centre of excellent at the Innovation Campus in Telford will help provide a skilled workforce for major employers like JLR, which is employing 1,400 people at its i54 car engine plant.

A Formula One specification wind tunnel, engine test facilities, 3D printing facilities and laboratories will be added at the Telford campus.

Students will also be able to study specialist electronics and telecommunications.

The investment is part of an expansion of the University of Wolverhampton's presence in Telford.

It is also launching a new town centre campus at Southwater, which will start its first lectures next week in partnership with Telford College of Arts and Technology.

The majority of the £12m investment into Priorslee will go into transforming part of the Telford campus and providing specialist equipment for new courses.

Professor Ian Oakes, deputy vice-chancellor, said: "In the UK it is estimated that there will be a shortfall of around 200,000 qualified engineers by 2020.

"This investment into creating enhanced provision and expanded facilities demonstrates our commitment to bridging that gap and producing the next generation of skilled engineers.

"The new course offering, combined with activity based learning and live industrial project work will provide a real focus on creativity and employability."

The university bought its own Renault-powered Formula One car.

It recently got its first test run, driven by a professional driver and supported by a team of engineering staff and students.

Professor Oakes added: "Our aim is for our graduates to be work ready and they'll have additional opportunities to gain key employability skills through workshops and club activities such as the Formula Renault Racing Team and the Human Powered Flight Club.

"This is very much an investment supporting the regeneration and growth of the regional and national economy. It also builds on the existing heritage and expertise in advanced manufacturing and engineering in the region."

New courses will be run at Telford including automotive and motorsport engineering, chemical engineering and electronic and telecommunications engineering from September. A year later food engineering and aerospace engineering courses will be launched.