The steel frames for the centre are now in place in the first phase of creating the complex after work started last year.

The centre, which was approved by Coventry City Council in June 2018, will focus on engineering and has already received £10m from the government's Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).

The centre will run training programmes up to master’s degree level initially for 1,000 students.

Prof Lord Bhattacharyya, chairman of WMG, said:

"The WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre will provide the opportunity for apprentices to study whilst supporting our manufacturing base by learning the skills necessary for the UK to stay competitive."

Jonathan Browning, chairman of the CWLEP, added:

"It is great to see the WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre taking shape since this will be a valuable resource to train students with the skills which employers need to drive their businesses forward.

"The Local Growth Fund was established by the Government to give LEPs the opportunity to fund projects which will boost the economy, support businesses and create jobs.

"It is vital we equip apprentices with high-level skills and this centre will bring huge benefits to the advanced engineering and manufacturing sector in the area."

Minister for local growth, Jake Berry, said: "We’re committed to boosting economic growth across the Midlands Engine and whole of the UK and building a Britain fit for the future.

“The government’s £10m investment in the WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre will give young people the cutting-edge engineering skills they need to secure high-value jobs and ensure advanced manufacturing companies have the qualified staff required to grow their business and competitiveness.

"This will help drive up the productivity of businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire and make a valuable contribution to delivering the government’s Industrial Strategy."

Article Credit: University of Warwick