Wolverhampton was 'easy' choice for new training centre

The former Makro wholesale site in Bearing Drive, off Steelpark Way, has been converted into a base for the Glasgow Training Group.

The GTG Training Academy is offering support to local businesses.

David Scott, chief executive of GTG Training, said: "We are very excited with this new development in the West Midlands. Working with Wolverhampton City Council and the Black Country Chamber of Commerce to bring this deal together it is clear to us that we are moving into a region with an appetite for success through first class people development.

"When we were shown the range of businesses that have also chosen the Wolverhampton area as their operational base, and the first class skill mix within the area it was an easy investment choice to make."

The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Milkinder Jaspal, will officially open the 58,000 sq ft training centre at 11.30am.

On display at the event will be the Bloodhound supersonic car which will attempt to set a new world land speed record of more than 1,000mph in South Africa.

There will also be exhibits loaned from the Black Country Museum to give an insight into the industrial history of the area.

The new centre is offering apprentice courses in business skills, computing and information technology

It also offers automotive and transport sector training and includes a fork-lift truck driving training centre as well as 17 classrooms and an on-site cafe and restaurant.

There is also be a conference facility for up to 250 people.

Jon Douglass, GTG Training Academy general manager, said, "The aim of our launch event is to display the fantastic training that we can offer the local community and businesses.

"We are hoping to exhibit the GTG Training Academy facilities at their best and highlight the facility's diversity with our range of exhibitors, speakers and interactive tours.

"Hopefully, all launch event attendees will take away something of value to them whether that be important business advice or an insight into the facilities GTG Training can offer and how this will impact on teaching, training or general business needs."

The centre is also running the Bloodhound SSC education experience on June 20 and 21 for local schools to help inspire the next generation of engineers.

Bloodhound SSC will also be using the extensive facilities of the GTG Training Academy for its teacher tutorials that focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) practices. The cross-curriculum practice encourages the use of informal and community learning through project-based activities.

• Local business: BBR Engineering (Shropshire) Ltd, Telford