Following his announcement a few months ago of £5m funding for The British Glass Academy Building, Deputy Prime Minister and Sheffield Hallam MP, Nick Clegg, has visited the prospective site of the new building.
This was followed by a tour of the city’s University Technical College (UTC) to meet young people studying engineering, manufacturing and design courses.
Launched in 2013 by British Glass, The Glass Academy is a skills development programme which offers a complete training programme providing apprenticeships, bespoke glass sector courses and professional qualifications.
The provision of a dedicated building will enable the British Glass Academy to significantly extend its facilities, to include ‘mini’ factories for training, R&D facilities and a dedicated educational centre.
Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass and The Glass Academy, said: “The glass industry is rooted in the work of a Sheffield University department 100 years ago, so it’s fitting that the creation of the British Glass Academy world class centre of excellence as the hub of glass training in the UK will be based in Sheffield in collaboration with the University.”
Nick Clegg MP, said: “After securing investment for the new British Glass Academy and the Universities’ Factory 2050 down in Westminster, it’s hugely satisfying to come back to Sheffield and see shovels starting to go in the ground.
“Our advanced manufacturing hub is fast becoming the envy of the world and both these new world class developments will only enhance our reputation even further. This can only mean even more investment and jobs for local people.”
Caption: Nick Clegg (centre) visits Sheffield Business Park
