State-of-the-art equipment is being installed to transform Sunderland College’s engineering and manufacturing facilities as part of the North East Institute of Technology.
The college recently took delivery of an industry standard Hurco CNC Vertical Machine Centre – used by a number of local engineering companies such as global automotive manufacturer Unipres – which will enhance employment opportunities and ensure a highly qualified future workforce for the region’s employers.
Part of a multi-million-pound investment to develop the Institute of Technology (IoT) alongside a consortium of colleges and training providers, the CNC Machine Centre also includes bespoke software which will allow learners to produce part programmes at Washington Campus before transferring them to City Campus for manufacturing operations.
Jeff Bower, Curriculum Manager in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, said: “The Hurco VMC machine was specifically selected to develop our students’ CNC programming and operating skills.
“This will improve their employment prospects and experience with CNC programming and advanced manufacturing engineering methodology.”
One of only 12 in the country, the North East Institute of Technology has been launched to deliver higher level advanced manufacturing and engineering and construction and built environment technical training to students and apprentices across the region.
Grundfos engineering apprentice Adam Wilde, added: “I am really looking forward to using the new CNC machine during the first year of my apprenticeship programme.”
Sunderland College will work alongside East Durham College, Middlesbrough College, Tyne Coast College and NA College Trust in a partnership led by New College Durham.
Purpose-built learning spaces and workshops featuring state-of-the-art equipment and facilities will be built at the college’s Washington Campus, with the exceptional advanced manufacturing and construction facilities at City Campus will also being enhanced.
The Institute of Technology will work hand in hand with the new T Level qualifications introduced from September 2021; which are the technical equivalent to A Levels
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98% of our students progress to a positive destination
(*Destination data for Sunderland College students aged 16-18, academic year 2017/18).
Our achievement rates are well above the national average.
We are the College of the Year.
(*Top college nationally for BTECs, Pearson 2019)
100% of our HND and HNC students progressed to employment or further study.
(*Destination data, academic year 2016/17, HNC 19+)
We have recently invested £50 million in our facilities.
