Pictured above: Local students at the Caunton Academy launch.

A brand new state of the art vocational training facility was officially opened today at Caunton Engineering in Moorgreen, Nottinghamshire, by the company's Managing Director, Simon Bingham, and Andrew Morgan, Skills and Communities Director at East Midlands Development Agency (emda).     

Through emda's Catapulting Kids project - which forms part of the Agency's £9m Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) programme, Caunton Engineering has received a grant of £156,000 to develop a dedicated multi-purpose classroom and a simulated production line.  These new facilities mean the company is now able to train students in a safe environment from nearby schools as they work to achieve the new 14 - 19 year old national diploma in engineering.

A family owned company established in 1970, Caunton has moved from strength to strength over the years and is now a well respected company within the UK steelwork industry.  Over the years, Caunton has pioneered fully automated manufacture, information technology and innovation, working on high profile projects to develop steel structures for Trent Bridge Cricket Ground's Radcliffe Road stand and more recently, Leicester Tigers' new stadium. 

Speaking at the opening, Simon Bingham said:  "Thanks to the guidance and financial help from emda, we've substantially renovated our facilities to provide a much more stimulating environment for our students and apprentices.  This will stand Caunton in good stead going forward as we continue to nurture local talent and develop our future workforce."   

Andrew Morgan added:  "Caunton is a fantastic example of a forward-thinking company which understands the importance of investing in the skills of young people at an early age.  I'm proud that emda has been able to support this vision through our investment and look forward to hearing how local pupils using the Academy are benefiting as they strive to achieve their vocational qualifications."

During the opening event, 14 students from nearby schools (Kimberley School, Top Valley School and Engineering College, Aldercar Community Language College in Langley Mill, and Manor School in Mansfield Woodhouse) took part in a range of activities to show the Academy in action. 

Rosie Whitehead, a year 11 engineering diploma student from Top Valley, said she really enjoyed working on the simulated production line:  "It's the first time I've been able to have a go at doing some welding which has been great!"

Jenna Pates, also studying the engineering diploma at Kimberley School, enjoyed using the computer aided design software "to see how everything fits together."

Jim Beard, Assistant Head and Director of Business & Community Learning and Development at Top Valley School & Engineering College, added:  "This is a marvelous facility, bringing with it a great opportunity for our learners. As a school, our vision is to take the classroom into industry and bring industry into the classroom and the opening of the new Caunton Academy makes this vision a reality"