Four Technical Excellence Colleges Unite to Strengthen the Future of UK Manufacturing

At a glance

Four Technical Excellence Colleges in England have formed a partnership called AMTEC to address skills shortages in the manufacturing sector. The collaboration, supported by the Department for Education, involves City of Wolverhampton College, Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group, New College Durham, and the Weston College Group working with employers to align education with industry needs. This initiative aims to ensure a steady supply of skilled workers for the evolving manufacturing industry, benefiting the UK economy.

National Manufacturing Day | 24 September 2026 Four of England’s Technical Excellence Colleges have joined forces on National Manufacturing Day to highlight the contribution manufacturing makes to the UK economy and the importance of developing the skilled workforce the sector needs. The Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) partnership brings together City of Wolverhampton College, Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group, New College Durham and the Weston College Group. Working alongside employers from aerospace, defence, engineering and advanced manufacturing, the partnership aims to help tackle skills shortages and ensure training reflects the needs of modern industry. Supported by the Department for Education’s Technical Excellence College programme, AMTEC enables colleges and employers to work together on curriculum development, workforce training and career pathways for learners. The partnership combines expertise from across the North East, North West, Midlands and South West, with colleges sharing knowledge, industry insight and best practice to strengthen manufacturing and engineering education.

A Shared Commitment to Developing Manufacturing Skills As manufacturing continues to evolve through advances in automation, digital technologies and sustainable production, AMTEC partners believe closer collaboration between education providers and employers is essential. In a joint statement on behalf of the AMTEC partnership, representatives from the four colleges said:

“Manufacturers across the UK need a steady supply of skilled engineers, technicians and production specialists. Through AMTEC, colleges and employers are working together to ensure technical education reflects the skills businesses need now and, in the years, ahead. By sharing expertise, strengthening employer engagement and improving routes into manufacturing careers, we can help learners develop the capabilities employers are looking for while supporting the long-term growth of the sector. National Manufacturing Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of UK manufacturing and inspire the next generation of talent.”

Industry Support AMTEC works with employers to help ensure technical education remains aligned with industry requirements

Siemens Digital Industries is among the employer partners, supporting initiatives that help develop the future workforce for aerospace and advanced manufacturing. David Thomas, People & Business Support Manager at Siemens Digital Industries, Congleton said:  

“Manufacturing is changing fast, creating exciting opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build rewarding careers. By bringing industry and technical education closer together, we can equip the next generation with the skills needed for the technologies of tomorrow. It’s a fantastic opportunity to inspire new talent, strengthen UK productivity and create a more sustainable future for our communities, businesses and wider economy.”

National Collaboration Bringing together four colleges from across England, AMTEC provides a platform for sharing expertise in advanced manufacturing education. Through joint curriculum development, staff collaboration and employer engagement, the partnership is helping colleges respond to changing industry requirements and support the development of future manufacturing talent. On National Manufacturing Day, AMTEC is highlighting the value of manufacturing to the UK economy and the importance of investing in the workforce that will support the sector’s future success.

Editorial insight

Collaboration between technical colleges and industry has become increasingly important as UK manufacturers face persistent skills shortages and the need to adapt to new technologies. The formation of the AMTEC partnership by four Technical Excellence Colleges, announced on National Manufacturing Day, highlights a coordinated effort to address these challenges by aligning education more closely with employer needs across key regions in England.

For employers and learners alike, such partnerships offer practical benefits, from curriculum development informed by real-world requirements to improved pathways into engineering and manufacturing careers. The initiative also reflects ongoing government support for technical education as a means of bolstering the sector’s competitiveness and long-term growth, particularly as digitalisation and automation reshape the skills landscape.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Industry trend

Role of AMTEC in Modernising UK Manufacturing Education

AMTEC's collaboration with industry giants like Siemens to modernise technical education reflects a broader trend in aligning educational curricula with evolving industry needs amidst technological advancements and sustainability goals.

Target audience trade-industry Story potential 7/10 Regional impact

Impact of AMTEC on Regional Manufacturing Skills Gap

The AMTEC partnership aims to address the regional skills gap by collaborating with employers and aligning technical education with industry needs, particularly in the North East, North West, Midlands, and South West.

Target audience regional-news Story potential 8/10