During Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday, the Island’s MP, Andrew Turner asked the Prime Minister to recognise the Centre for Excellence for Composites, Advanced Manufacturing and Marine Technology being created in East Cowes; a joint venture led by GKN Aerospace and the Isle of Wight College.
Mr Turner outlined that this project would not only benefit new and existing businesses on the Isle of Wight but, thanks to Government financial support through the Local Growth Fund, would ensure Island young people gain the skills needed by industries of the future.
The new centre will be located at the Island Technology Park in Whippingham, next to GKN’s Osborne site.
The Prime Minister agreed that it would be an excellent facility which, thanks to £11 million of Government funding awarded through the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership, will give 550 young people workshop and learning facilities and provide 250 apprenticeships.
Mr Turner said:
“I was keen to raise the profile of this excellent project which will make a huge difference to the Island’s economy. Over the years many Island companies with vacancies for skilled jobs have complained to me that they are unable to recruit people with the right skills for their business – this will now be addressed. And, just as importantly, there will be state-of-the-art training facilities for local young people right here on the Island.”
