New Coventry academy to train next generation of engineers

A NEW school training the next generation of engineers and digital experts is to open on land next to Westwood Academy.

The WMG Academy for Young Engineers - set to open in 2014 - is for 14 to 19-year-olds from Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull.

It will focus on engineering, ICT and digital technologies, working closely with Warwick University as well as 40 firms including Jaguar Land Rover, IBM and National Grid.

The academy also has the backing of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

A public meeting to discuss the idea will be held on Tuesday, November 27 at International Digital Laboratory at Warwick Uni with the first applications to be invited in September next year.

Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, chairman of WMG, said: "Sustaining our manufacturing excellence will determine whether or not the UK can compete in the global market place over the next 50 years and beyond.

"We have some of the best companies and supply chains in our local area, and they all desperately need new talent and skills to help them grow. That is why this is so important.

"It will reach a younger generation, engaging them in an innovative new learning environment and exciting them from cradle to grave about the opportunities in engineering and the creation of the high value products of tomorrow."

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