£12 million to train new engineers at university's Telford campus

The major investment will turn the University of Wolverhampton's Telford Innovation Campus in Priorslee into a centre of excellence.

It is a response to a regional and national shortage of qualified engineering graduates.

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

The new centre will help provide a skilled workforce for major employers such as JLR, which employs 1,400 people at its M54 car engine plant.

A Formula One specification wind tunnel, engine test facilities, 3D printing facilities and laboratories will be created 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 £12 million investment into Priorslee will go into transforming part of the Telford campus and providing specialist equipment for new courses in automotive and motorsport engineering, chemical engineering and electronic and telecommunications engineering.

It will be followed by the introduction of food engineering and aerospace engineering in 2016/17.

Professor Ian Oakes, deputy vice-chancellor for research and external engagement at the university, 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 has entered the Monoposto Championship, buying its own Formula Renault car driven by a professional driver, and supported by a team of engineering staff and students.

Last summer, the university invested £500,000 transforming engineering facilities at Telford.

It included new workshops with two car bays, benches and professional tools to support the students' work on the racing car.

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."

Kuldip Sahota, Telford & Wrekin Council leader up until next month's local elections, said the plan was fantastic news for the area.

He said: "As someone who is always keen to see investment in Telford, I was delighted to hear of this news."