New maker zone to open in Staffordshire as part of efforts to plug skills gap

Milling machines, 3D printers, laser cutters and a soldering station are some of the new equipment available at a new maker-zone in Staffordshire.

The 'Digital Shed' - which will also boast specialist work benches and tools - is the latest initiative from Staffordshire University and part of efforts to plug skills gaps in the region.

Part-funded by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the equipment also aims to ensure students are at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies.

Professor David Hawkins, dean of the school of creative arts and engineering, said: “The space will create a culture of collaboration and knowledge exchange and access to such high-spec equipment will ensure our students leave with the skills our industries need.

"Even more exciting is the fact that the maker space has been the catalyst for a planned £1.3 million Smart Zone - a bustling centre of invention, innovation and creation - which opens to students this autumn.”

Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP Vice Chairman Alun Rogers added: “We are delighted to support Staffordshire University in developing these exciting new facilities which will provide students with hands on experience in digital and electronic proto-typing.

“This is just one example of the university’s innovative approach which is putting Staffordshire at the forefront of digital and technological education and will help us create the highly skilled jobs that will ensure a thriving local economy.”

The launch took place in conjunction with the university's annual GradEX 2019 - an annual showcase of the innovative work being produced by final-year students from the Schools of Computing, and digital technologies and engineering and creative arts.

The Digital Shed, which is located at the entrance to the Mellor University at Staffordshire University's campus, will be openly accessible to students from a wide range of courses from September.