REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has called for the creation of an Institute of Technology in the town as part of the Government’s industrial strategy.
She raised the issue in the House of Commons on Tuesday when she quizzed the Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Jo Johnson, regarding proposals to set up new Institutes of Technology across the country.
The Department for Education and BEIS have committed to the single largest increase in science and innovation funding in 40 years, adding £4.7billion to science spending.
The aim is to drive growth across the country and establish high quality and prestigious centres which specialise in delivering higher level technical skills that employers need.
Mr Johnson said the Department would be calling for proposals before the end of the year and would welcome an application from Redditch to request an Institute of Technology.
Mrs Maclean said: “Given the great transport links in Redditch, our proximity to Birmingham and thriving local business community, this would be a fantastic asset which would benefit the town and surrounding areas.
“It would be a brilliant opportunity for our young people to develop cutting-edge technical skills which are in demand by employers across the country.”
