A STATE-of-the art technical engineering centre has been officially unveiled in Keighley.

The multi-million-pound Keighley College facility is purpose-built to equip apprentices with in-demand technical skills.

It can cater for up to 120 learners at any one time.

The lower floor is fully fitted out with an engineering workshop, while on the upper level there is a future technologies lab complete with laser cutter, printing machines and testing equipment. There are also two IT rooms and a teaching space.

An official opening was attended by employers, apprentices and alumni.

And among the guests was a stalwart of the Keighley-district manufacturing industry, Michael Parkinson.

Mr Parkinson, 90, from Airedale Springs, has links to the college going back more than half a century.

The technical engineering centre forms part of the £12 million Providence Park industrial development, located on the former Universal Mills site at the junction of Dalton Lane and Bradford Road.

Providence Park was partially financed using £6.5m of Government money via the Keighley Towns Fund, with about half of that going towards building the centre.

Kelly-Marie McAllister, director of apprenticeships at Keighley College, says: “It is wonderful to see this facility up and running. The centre will help the district build on its proud industrial heritage to meet the evolving challenges of the 21st century.

“Engineering and manufacturing are crucial parts of Yorkshire’s economy and we are fortunate to have so many innovative companies in our midst, but right now they’re struggling to recruit enough of the skilled workers they need.

“That is where apprenticeships, and targeted training, have such a key role to play. The new engineering centre has been kitted out in consultation with local employers to ensure it is designed appropriately, with industry-leading equipment, to help tackle skills shortages head-on.”

Tim Rogers, chair of Keighley Towns Fund, says: “To see the new centre officially open, and transforming not only Keighley but also people’s futures, is fantastic. It represents an incredible skills and training opportunity for the town, and we know many cohorts to come will benefit over the years.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw – Bradford Council’s lead member for regeneration, transport and planning – says: “Keighley has a proud manufacturing and engineering heritage. This new centre will allow local people to learn highly-specialised skills, and create employment opportunities for the future.

“Alongside the new centre, Providence Park is also home to five buildings housing 23 industrial units.”