Coleg Llandrillo Menai’s New Engineering Centre: A Beacon of Excellence in Education and Training for the Engineering and Renewables Sector
First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, marks the official opening of the new £13m Engineering Centre at Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhyl Campus – a significant milestone in the advancement of engineering education and training in north Wales.
The inauguration of this new facility signals a new era of opportunity for aspiring engineers, equipping students with the skills vital for the future of industry, particularly in renewable energy, manufacturing, and digital transformation.
The North Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP), who are the Offshore Energy Alliance’s (OEA) current Topic Champion for skills in the north Wales region, have been working with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai to identify the skills requirements of the area.
Sian Lloyd Roberts, Regional Skills Manager said, “This facility has been designed to meet the identified skills needs in the region, ensuring that students receive the necessary training and expertise to thrive in the engineering and renewable energy sectors. The centre will serve as a platform for new engineering students, as well as upskilling of existing workforces, further bolstering the region’s industrial capabilities whilst addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the engineering sector.”
One of the flagship features of the new facility is the Institute for Renewable Energy Technology, established in partnership with RWE, the largest power producer in the UK and leading renewables generator in Wales.
Helen Thomas, Team Lead for Supply Chain Development at RWE said, “The state-of-the-art facility includes a three-floor industrial-scale wind turbine servicing and maintenance hall. This unique facility will provide students with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing them to hone their skills in wind turbine maintenance with generators and other major components from in-use wind farms. They are then able to embark on practical placements at some of our ten operational offshore wind farms including the likes of Rhyl Flats.
“With a development pipeline covering nine projects including Awel y Môr here in north Wales, we hope that students will also be able to build their careers into the middle of the century and beyond.”
Lawrence Wood, Principal of Coleg Llandrillo, said, “The opening of our Rhyl Campus Engineering Centre marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing exceptional education and training opportunities for the engineers of tomorrow. With a focus on industry-relevant skills and practical experience, we are empowering our students to excel in key sectors driving the future of our economy, particularly in renewable energy. This centre represents not only a physical space but a hub of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.”
First Minister Mark Drakeford said, “I’m really pleased the Welsh Government has been able to provide funding for the new Engineering Centre, which will help equip local people with the skills and qualifications they need to ensure the competitiveness of North Wales in an important growth industry.
“North Wales not only has the physical resources to support sustainable economic opportunities, it also has the workforce potential. Offshore wind is vital for the long term energy needs of Wales and the UK and the college is in a strong position to deliver the wide range of skills needed by our low carbon energy industries.
“The state-of-the-art facilities will enable the students and apprentices to use the best technology within a comfortable, modern environment. I would like to wish the staff and learners all the success for the future.”
For more information about Coleg Llandrillo’s Engineering Centre and its programs, click here.
About The North Wales Regional Skills Partnership: One of four strategic bodies across Wales, established in 2012 as part of the Welsh Government’s broader approach to regional economic development. Each RSP advises the Welsh Government on skills provision, identifying regional priorities for skills investment based on employer demand and labour market intelligence.
About Grŵp Llandrillo Menai: A leading educational institution dedicated to providing high-quality further and higher education across a range of disciplines. The Grŵp ensures students are ready for progression to higher education, an apprenticeship or into employment and enables students to succeed in today’s dynamic and competitive world.
Published 22 February 2024
