Local manufacturers will adopt new digital technology and workers will gain new skills thanks to a brand new £2.7m programme of support from the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris.
Efficiency and sustainability is the name of the game, as 80 plus West of England firms will embrace robots, futuristic virtual reality tools and digitise their manufacturing processes.
Advice from experts will be on hand about future proofing manufacturing processes and the skills that workers need for 21st century world class manufacturing.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “A thriving manufacturing sector means using the very latest tech. So I’m really delighted that this £2.7m West of England Combined Authority-led programme will mean our local workers will be able to access the training they need to thrive. As everyone knows we are in the midst of a climate emergency. It is so very, very important for everyone to pull together to reach our stretching net-zero 2030 targets. These tools will help our amazing manufacturers to become greener.”
Made Smarter Commission co-chair Brian Holliday (MD, Siemens Digital Industries) said: “The adoption of digital technologies, such as AI, robotics and virtual reality, is central to driving productivity and growth amongst manufacturers.
“The West of England Made Smarter programme is a fantastic, independent initiative and will help businesses in the area seize on the huge opportunities presented by digitalisation.”
The programme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority with training supported by the University of the West of England, Bristol and1-1 digital acceleration sessions led by the National Composites Centre. It has been created to meet the particular needs of manufacturers in the West of England.
The programme is now open for applications.
Find out more about Made Smarter West of England on the Growth Hub.
