West Suffolk Council grants West Suffolk College £40,678 for computer numerical control (CNC) lathe to support local manufacturing and innovation

10 Feb 2025

West Suffolk Council has awarded a significant grant to West Suffolk College to advance its commitment to manufacturing innovation and skills development in the district. 

The grant, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), totalled £40,678, comprising £19,980 from the Year 2 budget (2023-2024) and £20,698 from the Year 3 budget (2024-2025). 

A state-of-the-art computer numerical control (CNC) lathe has been purchased with the grant, further enhancing the college’s capacity to train the future workforce and support the needs of the local economy.

In addition to the grant from the council, West Suffolk College has provided match funding which has ensured the successful acquisition of the machine. 

By investing in the latest manufacturing technology, the college will be able to collaborate with local industries and suppliers to train and develop skilled workers that local businesses need, ensuring the sustainability of the workforce.

The machine will be used in courses such as the Maintenance and Operation Engineering Technician programmes at Levels 3 and 4, and the Engineering Degree at Level 6. 

The college also plans to extend training opportunities on the CNC Lathe to unemployed individuals, providing crucial skills that will enable them to re-enter the workforce in high-demand sectors.

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council said, “This investment is a testament to our commitment to building a skilled workforce for the future that meets the needs of the area’s advanced manufacturing sector. By awarding the grant to the college, we hope that their partnerships with local industry, combined with the new machinery, will have a long-term positive impact on the sustainable growth of the local economy and bolster the districts reputation as a hub of manufacturing innovation.”

Laraine Moody, Group Principal for University and Professional Development at Eastern Education Group said, “We are very grateful to West Suffolk Council for their support in funding this crucial technology that will help train students on engineering, machining, maintenance and operations courses across West Suffolk College, the University Professional Development Centre and Eastern Education Group.

“This high-tech lathe will give new skills to current and future students, thus enabling them to hit the ground running when it comes to starting careers in a range of roles within the manufacturing sector.

"This in turn will support local companies who are experiencing skills shortages in key areas of their businesses.”

Richard Bridgman OBE, Chair of the West Suffolk Manufacturing Group said, “Being Chair of the West Suffolk Manufacturing Group, which champions and supports advanced manufacturing and engineering businesses within West Suffolk, I know more than most that we have a serious skill shortage across the sector.

"West Suffolk Council is a very forward looking council, they are investing in technology and the future work force through partnering with the college to enable students to train with this new CNC lathe. The opportunity to be trained on the machine will enhance students learning and skills.” 

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