The University of Birmingham has been identified as the preferred bidder for the National College of Advanced Transport and Infrastructure by the Further Education Commissioner’s Structure and Prospects Appraisal process.
Following the first phase in a government initiated process to secure the future of the National College of Advanced Transport & Infrastructure (NCATI), the University of Birmingham, together with its partners, has been selected as the preferred bidder to take forward discussions with NCATI on potentially incorporating it into the University’s group.
The University’s bid draws on its widely recognised rail expertise, has strong industry backing and a wide range of partners that will help deliver the levelling up agenda in both the Midlands and the North.
Now the proposal will be further considered and scrutinised by government, the College, the FE Commissioner and the University’s Council (the University’s governing body).
The College, based in Birmingham and Doncaster, has had significant financial and educational difficulties, and all parties need to be assured that these can be overcome before the transfer can be approved, to ensure support for students and the sector going forward. The bid sets out the University’s vision for a highly successful, financially sustainable and inclusive National College for Advanced Transport and Infrastructure that provides high quality education and training to meet the need of all the learners, sectoral partners and local communities and to support local, regional and national economic growth.
It builds on the significant railway engineering expertise already within the University, led by the globally respected Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education, as well as the University’s sector leading industry partnerships and commitment to the regional growth and skills agenda.
Interim CEO at NCATI, Sue Dare MBE said: “We are delighted to have gained strong support from an internationally renowned university, which will enable us to deliver high-quality education and training to meet the future needs for the rail, transport and infrastructure sectors. We look forward to securing a bright future for the College through this exciting partnership with the University of Birmingham.”
Professor Tim Jones, Provost and Vice-Principal at the University of Birmingham said: “We welcome the announcement that the University has been selected as the preferred bidder to formulate the development plans for the National College for Advanced Transport and Infrastructure. We will continue to work with the College, government, the FE Commissioner, sector partners and University’s Council to further explore a successful, sustainable and inclusive future for the College.”
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