Vince Cable meets apprentices at new hi-tech training facility and visits MACH show

Vince Cable took a tour of the new facility which opened in April and trains engineers from across the UK as part of their vocational qualification in 3D and wireless technology. The partnership between Samsung and the college is the first of its kind between a further education provider and a global leader in digital technologies. The Secretary of State for Business said: "It is great to see a college such as Birmingham Metropolitan hosting such hi-tech and productive training centres. Examples like this underline the importance of the Government offering it support. "The growth sectors that require highly specialised skills have to be matched with support for their training needs. Samsung is a leader in employer support training and their example will help UK stay one step ahead." The minister attended the college as part of a regional visit of the area. He also went with the Business Minister Mark Prisk to the MACH2010 manufacturing technologies event at the NEC in Birmingham. Both ministers toured some of the stands and saw the latest in engineering-based, hi-tech manufacturing technologies. They also took part in a round table discussion with members of the Manufacturing Technologies Association representing large multinational companies to SMEs and niche players.